Awami Theatre Festival 2026 Set to Open at Arts Council on January 22

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi announced the launch of the Awami Theatre Festival 2026 during a press conference held at Haseena Moin Hall. President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Vice President and senior actor Munawar Saeed, Chairman Drama Committee Shehzad Raza Naqvi, and Secretary Arts Council Ejaz Farooqi briefed media representatives on the event.

President Muhammad Ahmed Shah informed that the 25-day Awami Theatre Festival will commence on January 22 and continue until February 15 at the Arts Council Auditorium. In addition, a special performance of “Dukhtar-e-Kashmir,” written by Bashir Sadozai, will be staged at the Open-Air Theatre on February 6.

This year’s festival includes 30 theatre plays presented in Urdu, Punjabi, Memon, Balochi, Saraiki and Sindhi. Shows will begin daily at 8:00 pm, with two performances scheduled on weekends. Shah highlighted that the festival, now a longstanding tradition, is being simultaneously celebrated in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Larkana.

He noted that many renowned comedians and actors—including Moin Akhtar, Umar Sharif, and Sikandar Sanam—gained nationwide recognition through this theatre platform. “We want to provide entertainment without financial burden on the public,” he said, adding that the Arts Council supports creative freedom but will not allow vulgarity, discrimination, or inappropriate content. “There must not be a drama where families cannot come,” Shah emphasized.

He reiterated the Arts Council’s commitment to cultural revival across Sindh, revealing ongoing work toward activating institutions and plans to take charge of Fyzee Rahamin. Shah also hinted at new film initiatives and ongoing discussions with filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi, promising good news for Eid-ul-Azha.

Vice President and veteran actor Munawar Saeed shared his journey from school theatre to national recognition, urging young performers to work with dedication and honesty.

Drama Committee Chairman Shehzad Raza Naqvi said the Awami Festival has been well-received every year and vowed to continue offering family entertainment rooted in culture and values.

This year’s festival features plays by leading directors and writers including Shakeel Shah, Wajiha Warsi, Sohail Abbasi, H. Iqbal, Rizwan Mirza, Syed Ali Dareen, Ehsan Amrohi, Hameed Rathore, Zakir Mastana, Shaukat Utrakhail, Shabbir Bhatti, Azmat Ali, Shameer Rahi, Tasneem Rana, Babar Jamal, Ilyas Nadeem, Nazar Hussain, Aftab Kamdar, Rauf Lala, Shakeel Siddiqui, Wali Sheikh, Danish Baloch, Adam Rathore, Saleem Afridi, Zahoor Malik, Jamal Mujeeb, Rasheed Sabir, Jameel Rahi, Asif Sharmila, Zahid Shah, Khalid Danish, Younus Memon, Rizwan Sabir, Parvez Siddiqui and Sheema Kermani.

Featured productions include:

Seedhi Jaleebi, Mirza Ghalib in Karachi, Hota Hai Shab-o-Roz Tamasha Mere Aage, Ulta Shulta, Bohat Ho Gayi Begum, Tujh Pe Qurban, Yeh Kaisa Daur Hai?, Wah Tera Kya Kehna, Rab Diyan Rehmatan, None Poon, Mere Friend Ki Girlfriend, Be Positive, Panjo Thino Karo, Bad Rooh, Mareez Crore Ka, Lalay Di Jaan, Watan Ki Mitti, Kandana Biaay, Saleem Ki Kahani, Pardes, Palna, Ab Kya Hoga?, Tension, Yeh Kaisay Rishtey Hain?, Mohabbat Kya Bhao Hai?, Dil Ji Duniya, Nahlay Pe Dhala, Mujh Mein Tu Maujood and others.

The festival aims to bring families, communities and theatre enthusiasts together for a month-long celebration of creativity, culture and storytelling.