Ahmed Shah Panel Triumphs in Arts Council Karachi Elections

The Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Faruqi panel secured an

overwhelming majority. The opposing

Najam Ashraf panel faced a decisive defeat

Culture Reporter

Karachi: The Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Faruqi panel emerged victorious in the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi elections for 2025-2026, securing an overwhelming majority. The opposing Najam Ashraf Mubashir panel faced a decisive defeat.

In the presidential race, Muhammad Ahmed Shah claimed 1,977 votes, while his rival, Najamuddin Sheikh, managed only 185. For Vice President, Munawar Saeed secured 1,953 votes, and Secretary Professor Ejaz Faruqi received 1,942 votes.

Noor Ul Huda Shah, contesting for Joint Secretary, earned 1,891 votes, and Qudsia Akbar, the Treasurer candidate, garnered 1,939 votes. The opposing panel’s candidates struggled to compete, with Ashraf Jabbar Qureshi receiving 187 votes and others trailing with lower tallies.

Governing Body Results

Dr. Huma Mir led the Governing Body elections with 1,908 votes, followed closely by Dr. S.M. Qaiser Sajad (1,907 votes), Mohammad Iqbal Latif (1,886 votes), Dr. Ambareen Haseeb Amber (1,873 votes), and Ghazi Salahuddin (1,872 votes). Other winners included:

• Syed Sajid Hassan: 1,856 votes
• Mohammad Ayoub Shaikh: 1,778 votes
• Akhlaq Ahmad Khan: 1,770 votes
• Amjad Hussain Shah: 1,753 votes
• Abdullah Sultan: 1,752 votes

Out of 6,780 registered voters, 2,215 members cast their votes. Voting began at 12 PM and continued uninterrupted until 8 PM.

Transparent Election Process

After the results were declared, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi lauded the transparent conduct of the elections. “The election process was highly transparent,” he remarked.

Muhammad Ahmed Shah, in his victory speech, expressed gratitude to the Arts Council members and officials for their overwhelming support, which resulted in over 90% of votes for his panel.

Celebrations and Congratulations

Celebrations erupted as members congratulated the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Faruqi panel for their landslide victory. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah extended his congratulations to the panel, expressing confidence in their ability to promote cultural activities and training programs in acting, music, painting, and other arts.

Pre-Election Dinner Event

On Saturday, December 21, a dinner was held at the Union Club in PECHS Karachi to honor the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Faruqi panel. The event was attended by notable figures, including political leader Nisar Khoro, businessman Zubair Motiwala, poet Professor Sahar Ansari, and others.

During his speech, Ahmed Shah highlighted the Arts Council’s legacy, established in 1954, and its role in promoting Pakistan’s culture globally. He confidently predicted a resounding victory for his panel, emphasizing their commitment to fostering unity and cultural development.

Looking Ahead

With the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Faruqi panel’s success, expectations are high for the Arts Council to continue its legacy of excellence, bringing together diverse communities and enhancing Pakistan’s cultural landscape.