13 days long “Hyderabad theatre festival 2025” by Arts council of Pakistan Karachi concluded with full swing
12 Urdu and Sindhi plays were presented, highlighting a variety of comedic, social, and reformative themes
Independent News
HYDERABAD: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Government of Sindh, successfully concluded the 13-day “Hyderabad Theatre Festival 2025” at the Sindh Museum, Hyderabad. The festival, which commenced on September 26, continued till October 8, 2025, at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, drawing large audiences and immense appreciation from theatre lovers across the region.
Throughout the festival, 12 Urdu and Sindhi plays were presented, highlighting a variety of comedic, social, and reformative themes. More than 130 talented artists participated, captivating the audience with their outstanding performances and creativity.
The closing ceremony was graced by President Arts council of Pakistan karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, as the chief guest. Among the distinguished attendees were Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain abbasi , Chairman Lok Virsa Committee Dr. Ayub Shaikh, Chairman Music Committe Amjad Hussain Shah ,Chief Organizer Rafiq Esani, Director Saleem Guddu, Kazbano, along with several notable directors, writers, and theatre enthusiasts.
Addressing the closing ceremony, President Arts council Muhammad Ahmed Shah said, “Today’s star performer is Kazbano. We had initially decided to stage ten plays, and I must acknowledge that Kazbano, who performed in our festival three years ago as well, truly deserves appreciation for her contributions. I came here with a message — that this cultural journey must continue.”He further announced plans to bring artists from the World Culture Festival to Hyderabad and expressed his intention to create opportunities for teachers and children from Sukkur and Larkana to learn from such artistic experiences.Hyderabad is one of the most important cities,” Shah continued. “I come here to spread love. On August 8, we organized a concert that drew over 200,000 people. There has been enough hatred; through theatre, we can communicate messages of peace and empathy. We must move forward with positive thinking. Hyderabad was once considered a place where such events could not happen, but we will change that perception. Soon, we will also organize a literary conference here and form a committee that will include people from different walks of life in Hyderabad.”
Addressing the audience, Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi congratulated the Arts Council team, saying, “I commend Ahmed Shah and his team for organizing such a vibrant festival. The atmosphere I see here today is truly unique — mothers, sisters, and brothers all gathered under one roof, celebrating art and culture. I urge Ahmed Shah to continue these cultural initiatives. It is our artists who bring smiles to our faces through their talent. This theatre stage is like a nursery — a training ground for artists who can one day achieve global recognition. Events like these are essential to strengthen our cultural identity, and it is heartening to see families exposing their children to this side of life.”
Amjad Hussain Shah Chairman Arts Council’s Music Committe also congratulated the organizers, saying,The theatre festival was a tremendous success. I congratulate Ahmed Shah for his leadership. All the artists performed brilliantly, and the lively atmosphere we see today is because of his efforts. Looking at this packed hall, one can truly see how successful the festival has been.”
Dr. Ayub Shaikh, Chairman Lok Virsa Committee, said,The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has successfully organized festivals across various cities of Sindh. We are truly grateful to President Muhammad Ahmed Shah for his efforts in promoting art and culture throughout the province.”
Chief Organizer RafiqEsani added the
“Because of Ahmed Shah, people from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds are united here today. Our sons and daughters are watching theatre with peace and joy — this is the beauty of cultural harmony. When people like Ahmed Shah lead such efforts, our culture continues to flourish.”
The festival featured an impressive lineup of productions, including“Hosho” (Urdu) – Directed by Talib Hussain Mughal,Zindagi Ke Rang Hazar (Sindhi) – Directed by Ramesh Kumar, Tujh Pe Qurban Meri Jaan (Urdu) – Directed by Ishaq Raju, Qaidi Jazba (Sindhi) – Directed by Aqeel Qureshi, Muft Mein Mehnga (Urdu) – Directed by Saleem Guddu, Roshni (Sindhi) – Directed by Israr Laghari, Charagh Jal Utha (Urdu) – Directed by Akram Nave Watayo Faqeer (Sindhi) – Directed by. Rafiq Isan i, Samaj Kahan Bahar (Sindhi) – Directed by Shahbaz Baloch, Aandhiyon Mein Charagh – Directed by Khalid Imran, Siaran Mein Ak Charyo – Directed by Kazbano Asif .
At the conclusion of the event, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented commemorative shields to all participating directors, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to theatre arts and the success of the festival.
