Drama fest ends with award ceremony

Artistes from across the country showcase their talents at the Punjab Council of Arts, Rawalpindi. Photo: EXPRESS
The Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi, hosted the grand closing ceremony of the Regional Drama Festival, aimed at reviving family theatre and offering high-quality entertainment to the public. A total of 13 drama teams participated, presenting plays on various social and cultural themes, showcasing their artistic talent in full form.
Parliamentary Secretary for Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Government of Punjab, Malik Iftikhar Ahmed, was the chief guest. He distributed certificates of appreciation and shields to the participating artists, directors, and members of the Drama Scrutiny Committee. Speaking on the occasion, he praised the artists as a valuable national asset who promote Pakistani culture and bring pride to the nation through their talent.
Prominent personalities who graced the closing ceremony included Founder of the Arts Council Naheed Manzoor, renowned poet Dr Afshan, former Arts Council Director Chaudhry Waqar Ahmed, PTV News Producer Malik Waqar, officers from the PNCA, along with noted artists, poets, and writers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
In his address, Director of the Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi, Muhammad Shakoor, extended heartfelt thanks to all distinguished guests, drama teams, scrutiny committee members, and attendees.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Express Tribune

5 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Body of veteran actress found days after her death

She died alone, forgotten — until the stench of her decaying body forced the world to remember. The tragic discovery of TV artiste Ayesha Khan's body, lying unnoticed for days in her own home, has exposed the cruel fickleness of fame and the chilling reality of how quickly the spotlight fades. Neighbours, driven to desperation by the unbearable odour of death, finally called police-unveiling a grim end for a star the world had left behind. Ayesha Khan, 77, a celebrated figure of the drama industry, was found dead in her Gulshan-e-Iqbal apartment on Thursday evening. Police sources confirmed that the actress had likely passed away nearly a week before her discovery, with neighbours only informing police after a foul odour emanated from her residence. According to officials, Ayesha, who lived alone, was believed to have died in her bathroom. Her children, who reside outside Karachi, were informed. The body was shifted to JPMC for medico-legal formalities before being moved to the Edhi morgue in Sohrab Goth. Dr Summaiya Syed, the police surgeon, said that a post-mortem examination is pending, awaiting the arrival of her legal heirs. Police have classified the case as an unnatural death but found no immediate signs of foul play. Born in 1948, Ayesha Khan was a pioneering actress of Pakistan Television (PTV), renowned for her compelling performances in classic dramas. Her career spanned over five decades, during which she played strong, nuanced female characters that left an indelible mark on the industry. She was also the elder sister of the late actress Khalida Riasat. Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow over her demise, calling it a "great loss for Pakistani drama." Funeral arrangements will be announced once her family completes legal formalities. Ayesha's tragic and solitary passing has sparked debates about the welfare of aging artistes, raising questions about the industry's responsibility toward its veterans once the limelight fades.

Express Tribune

9 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Ayesha Khan found dead in her Karachi flat aged 76

Tributes poured in on Friday as veteran Pakistani television actor Ayesha Khan was found dead in her Gulshan-e-Iqbal flat in Karachi on Thursday evening, police confirmed. As per reports across local media, according to a spokesperson, an initial examination by local police indicated that the actor, who lived by herself, had passed away in the bathroom. She was 76. Ayesha, the elder sister of late actor Khalida Riasat, was born in 1948 and enjoyed an acting career spanning five decades. With her passing being mourned as a profound loss in the entertainment industry, Ayesha's most memorable performances across Pakistani television include her roles in Aroosa, Family 93, Shaam Se Pehle, and Afshan. On Thursday, actor Khaled Anam took to Instagram to break the news of Ayesha's passing. "With profound sadness, we share the news of legendary Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan passing away this June 2025," wrote Khaled. Arts Council of Pakistan President Ahmed Shah called Ayesha's passing "a profound loss" for the country's drama industry. Gentleman star Adnan Siddiqui echoed the sentiment, taking to Instagram to pay his respects in a heartfelt post. "There are people you meet early in your journey who leave behind quiet but lasting imprints. For me, Ayesha Khan sahiba was one of those people," began Adnan. Reminiscing about his first meeting with the senior star when she played his on-screen mother in television serial Aroosa, Adnan lauded Ayesha's grace and compassion throughout her career. "I met her on the set of Aroosa, my very first drama; I was a rookie then, a true greenhorn with only a few modelling assignments and commercials to my name. She was my on-screen mother but brought a compassion reminiscent of a maternal figure, a presence that soothed, grounded and made a space feel more human," continued Adnan. "In an industry that can often be brisk, brusque and bustling, Ayesha jee carried herself with a calm dignity. She was never loud, never needing to prove anything — her craft did all the talking." Paying homage to all that he had learned from Ayesha, Adnan added, "Her kindness, her elegance, her calm strength, all of it taught me so much, even when she wasn't trying to. I consider it a gift to have shared screen space with her." Adnan ended his tribute by commending the senior star's powerful presence on and off screen. "Ayesha jee wasn't just an actor; she was an atmosphere. And her absence will be deeply felt."

Express Tribune

21 hours ago

• Express Tribune

Mahira Khan's tribute to Noor Jehan's classic song stirs nostalgia

Pakistani actor Mahira Khan has won hearts once again, this time for a nostalgic Instagram post honouring the legacy of legendary singer Madam Noor Jehan. The Raees star shared a stylised reel in which she lip-syncs to the romantic classic Main Te Mera Dilbar Jani, dressed in a retro pink outfit by a designer studio. Her look — complete with softly curled hair, classic jewellery, and poetic poses — evokes the aesthetic of 90s cinema. The caption, 'Moosam Hua Bay Iman,' quotes a line from the song, further enhancing the vintage theme. The post received an overwhelming response, with fans describing it as 'cinematic' and 'timeless.' Many lauded Khan's tribute for reviving a classic with elegance and grace. Known for her refined style and ability to remain culturally resonant, Mahira Khan continues to lead social media trends while balancing a robust acting career. Despite a brief stint in Bollywood alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, her popularity remains strong across the subcontinent.