Rich cultural traditions like Sufi poetry, folk songs and classical ghazals which help foster values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence are truly reflective of the Pakistani nation as opposed to daily headlines related to the militancy challenge it is fighting at the fringes of the society.
Since taking over the charge of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) as Director General (DG) in July 2009, Tauqir Nasir- a noted TV artists, the council has, in collaboration with the then ministry of culture (now the ministry of information and broadcasting), created a new record by organising more than 400 national level programmes in various cities of Pakistan, in which over 2400 artists from across the have country participated.
According to the annual report published by the PNCA, the various cultural activities organised by the institution include stage dramas, photo exhibitions, musical shows, a Qawwali Festival, a Sufi Aman Mela, a Ghazal Festival, Baithaks, puppet shows, a summer art school, cultural troupes to foreign countries, video productions, lectures and activities for the welfare of artists. During the year, PNCA also managed to successfully arrange over 300 stage plays by 50 different art groups in Islamabad, Lahore and Multan, in which over 2400 artists including renowned television and stage artists participated.
Over 4 painting exhibitions were also arranged during the year, highlighting the artistic work of painters and sculptures. Besides, 10 training workshops were held for over 350 students to showcase their talent in calligraphy, miniature painting and abstract arts.The Council also organised 75 musical programmes in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Hyderabad, and Karachi with the participation of over 900 artists.
In May, PNCA organised a two day Qawwali Festival which mesmerized people, including foreigners who showed keen interest in the Sufi music of the Sub-Continent and greatly appreciated the popular qawwals of the country.
Meanwhile PNCA also initiated a step to commemorate the maestros of singing and hosted a red carpet reception to pay tribute to the illustrious career of these living legends, and for the promotion of their art and its preservation for generation to come. This event payed tribute to the talent of Reshman, Mehdi Hassan Khan, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan, Ustad Ijaz Hussain, Farida Khanum, Iqbal Bano, Ghulam Ali, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Zubaida Khanum and Surayya Multanikar.
In view of the promotion of light and classical music, the council commenced ‘Beithek’- a monthly programme in which PNCA invited prominent figures as well as budding singers from all the provinces of the country.
Besides, National celebrations on March 23 and August 14, PNCA held a number of cultural activities, including puppet show, tableaus, skits, mime show, painting, singing and essay writing competitions. The Council has arranged puppet shows on a weekly basis over the last year and they have become a regular feature as a large number of children participate in them. PNCA in collaboration with UNESCO is also setting up a music, dance and drama library. During the summer vacations, PNCA also started summer art classes for students and the general public. Renowned classical singer Ustad Fateh Ali Khan of Patiala Gharana taught these classes.
Under its programme ‘Ye Basti Sab ki Basti Hay’, PNCA started a plethora of entertaining activities, including tableaus, regional and national songs, folk dance, painting competitions and puppet show in different slum areas of Islamabad with the aim of bringing art closer to ordinary people, who constitute majority of the population.
PNCA also promoted Pakistani art and culture all over the world and its 6 cultural troupes visited China, Japan, Switzerland, Muscat, and Bhutan to showcase rich cultural values of the country.
In addition, the council held memorial services to pay tributes to the talented personalities who have left us, including renowned painter Ghulam Rasul, M Abdullah, Lal Muhammad, Kamal Ahmed and Yousuf Khan. The council also held memorial services to pay glowing tributes to late comedians Moin Akhtar, Liaquat Soldier, Babbu Baral, Mastana and legendary TV artist Khayyam Sarhadi. Further, PNCA also granted financial help to over 300 deserving artists of the country.
Talking to Pakistan Today, PNCA Director General (DG) Tauqir Nasir said that Council has successfully run its affairs since he took charge as the council’s head but much still remains to be done for the promotion of art and culture, as it is a vital tool to spread the message of peace and tolerance. “We are highlighting a brighter and softer image of Pakistan all over the world through art and artists. The foes of Pakistan have tarnished its true image, and together we will correct it to tell the world that we are a peace loving country,” said Nasir.
