
Drama Festival spreads anti-drug awareness
University students perform a drama, themed, Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life, during the Inter-University Drama Festival at the Punjab Arts Council. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Inter-University Drama Festival, themed "Nashye Se Inkar, Zindagi Se Pyaar" (Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life), concluded on Friday.
Organised under the auspices of the Punjab Arts Council, nine university teams participated in the festival, which was part of a broader campaign against drug addiction. Islamabad Postgraduate College H-8 clinched the first position with its play Aas, Rawalpindi Women University secured second place with Un Dekha Jal, and Foundation University came third with Sarab.
In individual categories, Rida Rehman was awarded Best Writer, Yasin Ahmed Best Director, Ali Naqvi Best Male Actor, and Fiza Faisal Best Female Actor. Usman Ali and Aqsa were recognized as Best Supporting Actors, while Muqaddas Fiza received the Best Villain award.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, Anti-Narcotics Force, Shining Stars, and Saffron.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan, Saffron CEO Zahid Mahmood, HEC Focal Person Rana Shafiq, former Arts Council directors Naheed Manzoor and Waqar Ahmed, and current Director Sajjad Hussain.
Renowned actors Anjum Habibi, Syed Basharat Jafri, and Amin Shahzad served as judges throughout the competition. Director Sajjad Hussain thanked participating institutions and guests for their support.
Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan lauded the Arts Council for using drama to spread awareness about addiction. "Parents must also play a proactive role in keeping youth away from drugs," she said.
Saffron CEO Zahid Mahmood highlighted the value of providing young artists a platform to promote social reform through performance.
The top three winning teams received cash prizes of Rs100,000, Rs75,000, and Rs50,000 respectively. Artist Rana Kashif served as the compère throughout the festival.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
‘Italian genius' Inzaghi to coach Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal
RIYADH: Former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was revealed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal on Thursday, days before they take part in the new-look Club World Cup. The Italian, who led Inter to a heavy defeat in Saturday's Champions League final, had earlier played down rumours of a two-year deal worth 50 million euros. 'I am Simone Inzaghi and today begins my story with Al Hilal,' he said in a slickly produced video posted on X, in which he sips Arabian coffee and pins an Al Hilal lapel badge on his suit. Inzaghi, 49, becomes just the latest high-profile footballing acquisition for oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which will host the World Cup in 2034. 'The Italian genius is here,' Al Hilal posted. 'Welcome, Simone Inzaghi.' Inzaghi joins the likes of Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic at Al Hilal, which let injury-hit Neymar go in January after just seven appearances since his arrival in August 2023. A source with knowledge of the negotiations last week told AFP that the 'first option' for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has signalled he is leaving rival club Al Nassr, could be a move to Al Hilal. Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes this week said he rejected Al Hilal's reported $135 million offer because he wanted to 'continue to play at the highest level'. Neymar in talks to leave Saudi team Al-Hilal: club source Inzaghi's Inter slumped 5-0 to Qatar-funded Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final. His departure was confirmed on Tuesday. The former forward guided Inter to one Serie A title and two Italian Cups since joining in 2021. He took them to two Champions League finals in three seasons but lost both. On track to repeat the treble heroics of 2010 just a few weeks ago, Inter ended the season trophyless after falling away in each competition. Inter, PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester City are also among the 32 teams at the expanded Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.


Express Tribune
01-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Performers set stage ablaze
Students of Arts Council Dance Academy shine on stage, celebrating International Dance Day with energetic performances that showcase their skills in classical, cultural, hip hop, and more! PHOTO: EXPRESS Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi organised a vibrant event at Auditorium One on the occasion of International Dance Day. Arts Council Dance Academy and different dance groups celebrated International Dance Day by performing classical, hip-hop, cultural, and filmi music. Internationally acclaimed dancer Nighat Chaudhry added brilliance to the evening with her Kathak performance, while Mani Chao, Adnan Butt, and Abdul Ghani from the Arts Council Dance Academy captivated the audience with their exceptional performances. On the occasion, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah emphasised the therapeutic power of dance in combating modern-day depression, stating, "The doors of the Arts Council are always open for talented young artists. Come, learn, and perform." Dance Academy Head, Mani Chao, highlighted the event's celebration of diverse languages and cultures. Faculty members of the Arts Council Dance Academy and students of Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) also performed. Empowerment Committee Chairperson Chand Gul presented flowers to Nighat Chaudhry. Other performers included Jerry, Kabir, Roheel, Arfeen, Sajan, TBC, Owais, Ghani Group, Angel, Sameera, Asif, Ali Aqil, Ali (Popper). Fine Arts Committee Chairman Farrukh Shahab, Stage Show Committee Chairman Iqbal Latif, and a large number of dance enthusiasts attended the event.


Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Drama Festival spreads anti-drug awareness
University students perform a drama, themed, Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life, during the Inter-University Drama Festival at the Punjab Arts Council. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Inter-University Drama Festival, themed "Nashye Se Inkar, Zindagi Se Pyaar" (Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life), concluded on Friday. Organised under the auspices of the Punjab Arts Council, nine university teams participated in the festival, which was part of a broader campaign against drug addiction. Islamabad Postgraduate College H-8 clinched the first position with its play Aas, Rawalpindi Women University secured second place with Un Dekha Jal, and Foundation University came third with Sarab. In individual categories, Rida Rehman was awarded Best Writer, Yasin Ahmed Best Director, Ali Naqvi Best Male Actor, and Fiza Faisal Best Female Actor. Usman Ali and Aqsa were recognized as Best Supporting Actors, while Muqaddas Fiza received the Best Villain award. The event was organised in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, Anti-Narcotics Force, Shining Stars, and Saffron. The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan, Saffron CEO Zahid Mahmood, HEC Focal Person Rana Shafiq, former Arts Council directors Naheed Manzoor and Waqar Ahmed, and current Director Sajjad Hussain. Renowned actors Anjum Habibi, Syed Basharat Jafri, and Amin Shahzad served as judges throughout the competition. Director Sajjad Hussain thanked participating institutions and guests for their support. Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Rizwan lauded the Arts Council for using drama to spread awareness about addiction. "Parents must also play a proactive role in keeping youth away from drugs," she said. Saffron CEO Zahid Mahmood highlighted the value of providing young artists a platform to promote social reform through performance. The top three winning teams received cash prizes of Rs100,000, Rs75,000, and Rs50,000 respectively. Artist Rana Kashif served as the compère throughout the festival.