Latest news with #PunjabArtsCouncil
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
PAC hosts colourful events to celebrate Punjab Culture Day
Girls present a tableau on the eve of Punjab Cultural Day in Bahawalpur. photo: APP Punjab Arts Council organised colourful events in connection with Culture Day. Parliamentary Secretary Information and Culture Department, Shazia Rizwan was the chief guest on this occasion. Director Arts Council Sajjad Hussain, Deputy Director Muhammad Shakoor, Assistant Director Muhammad Suleman, Assistant Director Sarfaraz Khan, and Assistant Director Waqar Ali were also present alongside the chief guest. Upon arrival at the Arts Council, the chief guest was presented with a traditional Chunri of Punjab, while the officials adorned traditional Punjabi Pagri (turban). Shazia Rizwan said that Punjab Culture Day not only represents our heritage and traditions but also serves as a means to connect our youth with their cultural roots. The government of Punjab is committed to celebrating this day with full zeal and fervour to preserve our customs, folk arts, and local heritage. The enthusiastic public participation in today's festivities reflects our strong cultural consciousness. Culture Day offers a unique opportunity to highlight the colours, fragrance, and folk wisdom of Punjab. Punjab Arts Council has organised various programmes, including folk music, painting competitions, musical events, and regional dances. I am proud to be part of this beautiful initiative that promotes the civilization and culture of Punjab. Director Arts Council Sajjad Hussain said that Punjab Culture Day beautifully reflects our civilizational identity, traditional values, and fine arts.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Punjab Culture Day on April 14
Children perform on a folk song at an event held at Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi to celebrate Punjab Culture Day. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Punjab government has announced that April 14 will be celebrated as Punjab Culture Day across the province. All government and private institutions, 43 government organisations, schools, colleges, and universities, will observe the day. All officers, employees, teachers, lecturers, professors, non-teaching staff, both male and female students, will be required to wear traditional Punjabi attire while attending offices and educational institutions. No employee or officer will be allowed to wear pant, suit, shirt, or uniform. Male officers and employees will wear traditional Punjabi turbans, dhoti, kurta, and khussa. Female employees and students will wear shalwar kameez with chunni, long plait, and traditional Punjabi sandal. In offices and schools, traditional hookah smoking will be allowed, and the traditional colourful charpoy can be brought in.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
PAC marks Pakistan Day with patriotic event
The Punjab Arts Council (PAC) organised a Tableau, Speech and National Songs Competitions in to mark Pakistan Day. The event featured enthusiastic participation from students and young artists. Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Culture, Shazia Rizwan was the Guest of Honor at the Prize Distribution Ceremony. While addressing the participants, Ms Shazia Rizwan expressed her pride in witnessing the deep patriotism among the youth. She stated that seeing such patriotic enthusiasm in the young generation fills her heart with immense pride. "These competitions not only keep our history alive but also inspire the youth to play an active role in shaping Pakistan's bright future. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners." She further added that Pakistan Day provides us with an opportunity to renew our commitment to work tirelessly for the progress, prosperit, and stability of our country. "March 23, 1940, is a milestone in our history when the Muslims of the subcontinent resolved to establish a separate homeland. Today, we must promote national unity with the same passion and instil patriotism in our younger generation through cultural and educational activities. Punjab Arts Council Director, Sajjad Hussain, emphasised that Pakistan Day is a glorious chapter in our national history, reminding us of unity, sacrifice and determination. "The Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, laid the foundation for our independence. Today, we must reaffirm our commitment to work relentlessly for the development, prosperity and stability of our country."
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Exhibit celebrates Islamic culture through art
The Punjab Arts Council (PAC) organised a remarkable exhibition showcasing the artwork of renowned painter and calligrapher Azeem Iqbal especially in consideration of the blessed month of Ramazan. Azeem Iqbal's work centres on Islamic civilisation and culture. His artworks include calligraphic paintings, wall hangings and sculptures featuring Islamic architecture and other token items which he represents through the use of mixed mediums. Azeem Iqbal's calligraphy exhibition has previously been displayed at the Pakistan National Council of Arts, Lok Virsa, National Book Foundation, Allama Iqbal Open University, Quaid-e-Azam University, and various embassies, where his work has been highly appreciated. Renowned calligraphers Khawaja Muhammad Hussain, Ghulam Muhammad Zuberi and other artists praised Azeem Iqbal's work, stating that his art beautifully reflects Islamic culture and serves as an inspiration for the younger generation. Among the distinguished personalities attending the exhibition were Dr Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of National Book Foundation, Dr Jalal Ahmed, well-known poet Anjum Saleemi, civil officers, women and a large number of individuals associated with fine arts. The exhibition was inaugurated by Member National Assembly Malik Abrar Ahmed, who was also the chief guest. Former Director Waqar Ahmed, Naheed Manzoor, Director Sajjad Hussain and Deputy Director Muhammad Shakoor were also present on this occasion. Speaking at the event, the chief guest stated that an exhibition of calligraphy based on Islamic culture and civilisation is a commendable initiative that not only promotes art but also encourages other artists. He further emphasised that there is no shortage of talent in our country; however, it is essential to provide opportunities to skilled individuals from all fields so that they can further enhance their abilities. Former Director of PAC, Waqar Ahmed also shared his views, stating that such exhibitions provide a platform for young artists to refine their skills. Prominent cultural figure Naheed Manzoor, who also attended the event, remarked that the promotion of Islamic arts is crucial for the preservation of our cultural heritage. PAC Director Sajjad Hussain highlighted that the Council is making every effort to promote young talent.
