Home > Pakistan News & Library > PNCA lays out red carpet for local artists
 ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts hosted a red carpet reception on Friday night in honour of local actors, musicians, painters, playwrights, writers and poets.
Scores of girls and boys dressed in a variety of regional costumes showered flower petals while Faqir Wahid, the son of legendary Alghoza player Allan Faqir, played welcome tunes as men of culture entered the portal of National Art Gallery.
PNCA Director-General Tauqir Nasir said he wanted creative people to feel as important as state guests.
‘The intention of laying out the red carpet is to remove the distance between the creative people and the PNCA, because in a sense they are the real owners of this house of culture.’
He said they could restore the prestige of Pakistan, which unfortunately was subject to vibes and criticism, by acting, singing, painting and writing.
A standing ovation was given to the famed actor Mohammad Qavi when he came on the stage pleading with the DG: ‘The artists should be treated as VIPs. They should be given 50 per cent concession in air fares, free treatment in government hospitals and accommodation in state lodges to lighten their economic burden.’ He hoped that the PNCA chief would press their case with the government.
Actress Laila Zuberi asked him for raising enough money for the treatment of famed musicians like Mehdi Hasan.
Poet and social activist Kishwar Naheed reminded the audience that the plot of land for NAG was allotted by Benazir Bhutto.
Painter Mansur Rahi appreciated the gesture that a function was also arranged at Lahore during the seventh paintings biennale.
A musical evening was also arranged on the occasion. Eminent vocalist Ghulam Abbas interpreted two famous ghazals — Kaisay voh sharmaye and Voh to ajaye magar. Allan Faqir’s son Wahed sang Allah Allah and Abdur Rauf sang O Raja Jee. The concert began with a patriotic song from Mohammad Afzal Machiswala.
The orchestra consisted of Ijaz Husaion on tabla, Sanni on dholak, Suleman Adil on bansri (flute), Umeed Ali on harmonium, Amir Husain on sitar and Zahid Ali on keyboard. |
