‘The Republic Day of Italy’ was celebrated by the Consulate of Italy in Karachi at Avari Towers Hotel.

Consolato Generale d’Italia a Karachi, (Consulate General of Italy in Karachi) hosted a widely attended reception to honor ‘The Republic Day of Italy’ on 7^th June 2024 at Avari towers, Karachi. The Republic Day of Italy is celebrated on 2^nd June every year.

This grand reception was attended by Honorable Governor Sindh Mr. Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Honorable Ms. Faryal Talpur, Honorable Agha Siraj Durrani, Honorable Syed Sardar Ali Shah Minister for Education Sindh, Sector Commander NI Rear Admiral Sohail Arshad, Commander Logistics (COMLOG) Commodore Muhammad Azeem Abbasi, Sector Commander NI Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, Managing Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works and distinguished members of Sindh Provincial Assembly Mr. Sohail Anwar Sial and Mr. Qasim Soomro to name a few dignitaries and along-with them event also well attended by diplomats, businessmen, socialites and members of press.

To create an exclusive Italian evening – the venue was curated to display high end Italian excellence with product displays from Natuzzi Italia, Nova Color Pakistan, S. Abdullah Homes and Versace by Eleganz Luxury. The display space had been beautifully curated by M/S Axis Design.

Consul General of Italy in Karachi, Mr. Danilo Giurdanella in his welcome remarks expressed his gratitude to all the distinguished guests present at the ceremony and highlighted the important aspects of strong and friendly cooperation between Italy and Pakistan in Economic, Cultural and Social fields.

Italy is the second biggest export market for Pakistan in EU and in terms of remittances. The trade with Italy has risen significantly according to SBP statistics. Italy plays an important role being the host of largest Pakistani community in Europe after UK.

The Consulate of Italy has been also working to promote interfaith harmony in the fight against Islamophobia and to promote inter-religious dialogue. It is encouraging to see that also the Federal Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi recently visited Rome and had a meeting with the Pope Francis.

The Consul General also congratulated the government of Pakistan on being elected in the UN Security Council as representative for the Asia Pacific region. Around 700 students from Sindh and Baluchistan only have gone to Italy to pursue higher studies. This will help Pakistan to overcome the lacking that it faces in technical expertise. The Consulate is also working closely with Public sector universities in Sindh to establish cooperation with similar counterpart institutions in Italy. In particular, the Consulate of Italy in Karachi has established successful partnerships with University of Karachi, NED University and Institute of Business Administration in Karachi and in Sukkur that have allowed the increase in the influx of Pakistani students to Italy.

At the occasion of the National Day of Italy, ‘Bella Italia’ Italian Food Festival was also organized from 04^th June till 09^th June for the people of Karachi. The Food Festival aims to celebrate Italian culinary heritage and gastronomical excellence and benefits of Mediterranean diet. Chef Vincenzo De Liso is in Karachi and is hosting the Italian Food Festival at Asia Live, Avari Towers.

In order to promote Italian food philosophy and gastronomical excellence a master-class for the Ho.Re.Ca segment was also organized where there was live cooking demonstration of traditional recipes of Italy from Naples. Chef Vincenzo De Liso originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of Naples showcased his culinary innovation and creativity during the master class.

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Arts Council Institute of Arts & Crafts (ACIAC) hosts the graduation ceremony for batch of 2020-2021.

Arts Council Institute of Arts & Crafts (ACIAC) hosts the graduation ceremony for its batch of 2020-2021 at Auditorium 2 of Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP), Karachi on Friday 16^th July 2021. This graduation ceremony attended by the honourable faculty members of the ACIAC, students, and their families. Also present were the members of Governing Body of ACP Karachi. As chief guest Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Syed Sardar Ali Shah graced the ceremony with his presence.

President of Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi, Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Shah congratulated all the students who were due to graduate during this ceremony. He said; “from being a very nervous kid, I have seen these students growing into confident and brilliant artists. They create the magic of their imagination on canvas with their brushes, colors and oils”.

Muhammad Ahmed Shah further added by saying that; “you must be proud of the fact that you all have become an alumni of Arts Council Institute of Arts & Crafts (ACIAC) and I would like to assure you that the doors of this institute are always open for you people”.

Addressing the ceremony, the principal of ACIAC Mr. Shahid Rassam said; “I am really grateful to the faculty of the ACIAC and would like to acknowledge that due to their hard work and their efforts the name of our institute is now being recognized all over the country”.

The Principal of ACIAC also said; “the students of our institute are professionally working not only in Pakistan but also in other countries. I congratulate my all students for the amazing results”.

Addressing the ceremony Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that; “academic institutions play a great role in our life, students who have passed today have spent the most beautiful period of their life in this institute and now they are going to enter their practical lives. I congratulate the students for their results and I would advise that whatever they have learned in this institute is to give back to the world”.

Syed Sardar Ali Shah added by saying; “it is really good to see the students of different sects studying in this institute, I congratulate the president of ACP Karachi Mohammad Ahmed Shah for his efforts and I hope soon this institute will mutate into a university”.

The Culture Minister of Sindh further added and said; “holding a degree, medal, an award or a certificate in your hand is a proud moment for every student”. On concluding note he announced the cash prize of Rs. 300,000 for the position holders.

The chief guest of the graduation ceremony Syed Sardar Ali Shah distributed certificates and awards among the students, while the president of ACP Karachi Muhammad. Ahmed Shah, Secretary of ACP Karachi Aijaz Ahmed Farooqi and the principal of ACIAC Shahid Rassam accompanied him on stage. Students who were awarded included Zarnab Aftab, Rabia Ali, Wasama Nasir, Habiba Mujeeb, Asad Ali, Sachin Kumar, Kiran Aslam, Aakash Jivraj, Syed Noor Hussain, Tasneem Shabbir, Roma Rstakhiza, Ramsha Khan, Jawad Jan, Behzad Ahmed and Armash Saleem. They gained positions in different courses of arts & crafts.

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan gets life-time achievement award & honorary membership from Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.

One of the greatest singers of this era and iconic sufi-singer, musician and qawwal Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was awarded with the life-time achievement award and honorary membership by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi. This award was presented to Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at a prestigious ceremony that took place on the evening of Tuesday 16^th March 2021 at Jaun Elia Lawn, Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan becomes the first Pakistani musician to receive this honour from Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. This was previously awarded to Zia Mohyeddin, Anwer Maqsood, Iftikhar Arif, Amar Jaleel and Asad Muhammad Khan

On this occasion Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan said; “I am feeling honoured to be accepting this award by ACP Karachi as I would say that ACP Karachi is a world-renowned institute of Arts & Culture. I cannot put my feelings into words for the honour that has been bestowed on me”.

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan added; “Anwar Maqsood is my mentor, he is the legend of words and stories and it is not less than an honor for me to speak in front of him”. He also added that; “President of ACP Karachi, Ahmad Shah chose beautiful words for my introduction”.

Minister of Culture Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that; “there is no grammar of love and music. The greatest musicians of our time are present among us today; it’s an honour for everyone”. He further added that; “the legacy of combination of folk and classical music which was created by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is maintained by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan”.

President ACP Karachi Mohammad Ahmad Shah said; “we are proud to present Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lifetime Membership of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi to Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in recognition of his massive achievements”. President of ACP Karachi was was accompanied by the Culture Minister of Sindh Syed Sardar Ali Shah, living legend Anwer Maqsood, International producer Salman Ahmed and Secretary ACP Council Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi.

On the occasion, Ahmed Shah demanded the nomination of Nishan-e-Imtiaz for the music legend Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from the government of Pakistan.

Highlight of the evening was when legendary writer Anwar Maqsood had an interesting conversation with the Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, in which Anwar Maqsood humorously said; “Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been singing for a long time but it is surprising to give him this award at this age, he is still very young and this award should be given to those who are involved in NAB cases”.

Event concluded after Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sang “Mera Iman Pakistan” and “Aaj Rang Hai” and received a standing ovation from the audience. During his short performance he remembered his co-performer Late Amjad Sabri.

Fourth (04th) Sindh Literature Festival is all set to kick-off today at Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.

Fourth (04^th) Sindh Literature Festival, which is jointly organized by the Sindh Literary Foundation (SLF), Endowment Fund Trust (EFT), Culture Department Government of Sindh and Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi. This festival is a three-day event which includes book-launches, sessions on cultural development, political development, history, education along-with live performances of folk-music and theatre.

Fourth (04^th) Sindh Literature Festival will be inaugurated by Syed Sardar Ali Shah, provincial minister of Sindh for culture. This was informed by President ACP Karachi, Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Shah while addressing the press conference for the Fourth (04^th) Sindh Literature Festival.

President of ACP Karachi said; “I am grateful to our press/media for highlighting the positive face of Pakistan”. He further added by saying that; “ACP is the core of culture and the biggest festival of Sindh culture is going to be held in Arts Council and we are delighted to host this literature festival”.

Mohammad Ahmed Shah was accompanied by the writer and columnist Noor-ul-Huda Shah along with organizers Naseer Gopang, Zohaib Kaka and Najia Mir. He said; “five years ago, three youngsters Naseer Gopang, Zohaib Kaka and Najia Mir set out to organize the Sindh Literature Festival, a festival that reflects Sindh’s literature, way of life and culture”.

“For some time, there has been a lot of work being done in Sindh to eradicate hatred. There are two platforms that are playing a pivotal role in this regard. One is the Arts Council and the other is the Sindh Literary Foundation. The Arts Council is a place where every language and culture is valued. This year I hope that the more people participate in this program, the more positive the message will be conveyed to the world” said Noor-ul-Huda Shah.

One of the organizer Naseer Gopang said; “we used to attend Karachi Literature Festival every year and being inspired by that we decided to organize Sindh Literature Festival. The purpose was to highlight that Pakistan boasts rich and vibrant cultures, traditions and flavors”.

Addressing the press conference, Zohaib Kaka said that; “the festival is being organized under very  adverse conditions and during such times we would like to thank Endowment Fund Trust, secretary culture (Sindh) Akbar Laghari, Minister of Culture (Sindh) Syed Sardar Ali Shah and president Arts Council Mohammad Ahmed Shah for this continuous support us for this festival”.

Najia Mir said that; “04^th Sindh Literature Festival will have about 27 sessions, including international sessions. Many overseas literary personalities will also participate in the festival virtually”. She further added that; “people who love literature have always supported us and the number of visitors to the Sindh Literature Festival is increasing every year, which is a good sign”.

13th ‘Aalmi Urdu Conference’ inaugurated by Culture Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah.

13^th edition of ‘Aalmi Urdu Conference’ was inaugurated by Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of Sindh here at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi on 03^rd December 2020. As stated earlier, this year’s urdu conference will be a lot different from all previous conference due to Corona outbreak. Limited number of scholars and intellectuals were seen at the inauguration ceremony and many more attended this inauguration ceremony online. This 13^th edition of Aalmi Urdu Conference was seen live on social media pages of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi all over the world.

Apart from Chief Guest Syed Sardar Ali Shah and host Muhammad Ahmed Shah other speakers who spoke their heart out were; Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Zahida Hina, Noor-ul-Hadu Shah, Hasina Moin, Professor Sehar Ansari, Qudsia Akbar, Shah Muhammad Marri, Yusuf Kushk etc, while Iftikhar Arif, Gopi Chand Narang and Yasmeen Hameed addressed the video link. 

Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi said that; “13 years ago this dream was successfully carried-out, but today we are saddened at the inauguration the 13^th Aalmi Urdu Conference because some people are not here with us in this conference”. 

He said that; “due to the current situation, the participation of more people was avoided and many of our writers and poets are joining the conference through video-link in this Aalmi Urdu conference as we have continued this tradition and we want to keep this alive”.

President Arts Council further said; “no language of Pakistan is in conflict with Urdu but some people want to do politics on the basis of language.  There is no difference of opinion among the intellectuals of different languages ​​except for ideas”.

ACP Karachi has honoured many famous and well-renowned writers, intellectuals and artists including Josh Malihabadi, Sadequain, Mehdi Hassan, Kamal Ahmad Rizvi by naming different parts and sections at ACP being named after them.

On concluding note, he said; “the purpose of this Urdu conference is to bring together people of different ideas and let us know that philosophers and writers have created a society with their creations”. 

Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, who was the special guest at Aalmi Urdu Conference, said that “Ahmed Shah must be given credit for trying to create a real Pakistan in the form of the Aalmi Urdu Conference. The four units of Pakistan are not administrative but constitutional. They have their own language and culture thousands of years old and the Aalmi Urdu Conference of ACP is a link to unite these cultures. This is the dream our elders had in the case of Pakistan”. 

Provincial Minister for Culture said; “Sindh has never spoken of hatred. Sindh is the land of love. Urdu is made-up of many languages ​​and today speakers of many of those languages ​​are sitting here or attending this event online. Besides Urdu, languages ​​of all nationalities should also be declared as national languages. A bill to declare other languages ​​as national languages ​​has been in the assemblies for ten years and we are hopeful that we can have that done soon. This is something that we won’t have to regret that as one of our neighbouring country has declared 26 languages ​​as national languages”.

Yasmeen Hameed from Lahore while reading her keynote dissertation said that; “there is no limit to the literary era. The period from 1920 to 1936 is the end of one era and the beginning of another. Although not at that pace, but this era in an evolving era”.

Gopi Chand Narang, famous literary critic from India said that; “writers and Intellectuals should lead the society. It is the great responsibility of the writers to convey both aspects of the society to their readers. I was born in Balochistan and I did my matriculation from Balochistan, growing up in Balochistan gave me a lot about its culture. I learned Seraiki language early on and it runs my blood like milk. Seraiki language is milk, like the first stream joined in my blood”. He further added that; “the work of Karachi Arts Council is an example for the whole subcontinent.”

Iftikhar Hussain Arif, urdu poet famous for his romantic poetry said; “first of all love your language and your people. Languages ​​have become a political issue in Pakistan.  Many events have taken place in the centenary history of Urdu literature and this one go down as one to remember to its own reasons”.

Professor Sahar Ansari said that; “literature has never received as much attention in this century as it has before. Languages​​ have never received as much attention as humans and animals are getting in this era the only difference between them is literature and languages ​​have played a role in teaching literature”.  

Leading Indian critic and poet Shamim Hanafi said that; “capturing our collective past would be fatal in every way and would limit and divide both the history and geography of our literary and cultural tradition, literature, culture and art.  The treatment of the centres of power is the same everywhere, it needs to be improved”. 

Professor Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui said that; “this Urdu conference is a practical demonstration of the best performance in adverse conditions. Literature speaks of the virtue of man and humanity”.

Famous Pakistani play-writer Noor-ul-Huda Shah said; “we have been plagued by the epidemic of hatred for years. We lost East Pakistan by being sick with the same epidemic. Only writers, poets and intellectuals have the cure for the decrease in hatred. Literature of any language will be connected with the virtue of man.”

Zahida Hina said that; “despite the cloud of war on the borders and the ongoing global epidemic, the convening of the Aalmi Urdu Conference is welcome. All language speakers in Pakistan should get their due”. 

Dr. Shah Mohammad Marri said that; “they are working for the promotion of literature in Balochistan. For the betterment of the society, writers and intellectuals have to work round the clock”.

Well known writer Hasina Moin said that; “I loves Urdu language and someone who loves and shares is never disappointed”.