Culture Reporter
Hyderabad: The 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, drawing resounding applause from theatre enthusiasts and families across the region.
The festival, which ran from September 26 to October 8 at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, featured 12 Urdu and Sindhi plays performed by more than 130 artists, showcasing a blend of comedy, social commentary, and reformative storytelling.
The closing ceremony was attended by a large audience and notable dignitaries, including President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah (chief guest), Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, Chairman Lok Virsa Committee Dr. Ayub Shaikh, Chairman Music Committee Amjad Hussain Shah, Chief Organizer Rafiq Esani, Director Saleem Guddu, and renowned artist Kazbano, among others.
“Culture must continue to unite us” — Ahmed Shah
Speaking at the ceremony, Muhammad Ahmed Shah praised the participating artists and emphasized the importance of continuing cultural exchange across Sindh.
“Today’s star performer is Kazbano,” he said. “We came here with a message — that this cultural journey must continue. Hyderabad is one of our most important cities, and through theatre, we can replace hatred with love, peace, and empathy.”
He announced plans to bring artists from the World Culture Festival to Hyderabad and to organize new programs for teachers and children from Sukkur and Larkana. Shah also revealed plans for an upcoming literary conference in Hyderabad, saying a new local committee will soon be formed to promote the city’s cultural scene.
Commissioner Abbasi: “Theatre is a nursery for talent”
Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi lauded the efforts of the Arts Council team, calling the festival a milestone for Hyderabad’s cultural revival.
“I commend Ahmed Shah and his team for organizing such a vibrant festival,” he said. “Theatre is a nursery — a training ground for artists who can one day achieve global recognition.”
He praised the family-friendly environment, saying events like these strengthen social harmony and give youth a positive outlet for creativity.
Cultural leaders commend the initiative
Amjad Hussain Shah, Chairman of the Arts Council’s Music Committee, called the event a “tremendous success,” while Dr. Ayub Shaikh, Chairman Lok Virsa Committee, praised Ahmed Shah’s leadership for promoting art across Sindh.
Chief Organizer Rafiq Esani added that the festival’s success reflected the province’s unity in diversity:
“People from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds are united here today — this is the beauty of cultural harmony,” he said.
Festival highlights
The festival featured a diverse lineup of Urdu and Sindhi plays, 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 Esani
- Samaj Kahan Bahar (Sindhi) – Directed by Shahbaz Baloch
- Aandhiyon Mein Charagh (Urdu) – Directed by Khalid Imran
- Siaran Mein Ak Charyo (Sindhi) – Directed by Kazbano Asif
At the end of the ceremony, President Ahmed Shah presented commemorative shields to all directors, recognizing their contributions to theatre and the festival’s success.
