A grand cultural and spiritual gathering, “Mehfil-e-Samaa — Dedicated to Karachi and Its People,” was held at Main Rizvia Chowrangi in Nazimabad.
Friends of Karachi organised the event, which attracted religious scholars, spiritual leaders, business and social personalities, young people and citizens from different walks of life.
Renowned qawwals Fareed Ayaz, Abu Muhammad Qawwal and Afzal Sabri captivated the audience with soulful performances and spiritual poetry.
The gathering delivered a message of peace, love, brotherhood and tolerance. It also highlighted the importance of positive cultural activities in Karachi.
Karachi’s Diversity and Cultural Identity
Speaking at the event, Muhammad Faizan Rawat, founder of Friends of Karachi and Youth of Karachi, said Karachi is more than a city.
He described it as Pakistan’s economic lifeline and a diverse metropolis. People from different cultures, languages, religions and communities call Karachi home, he said.
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Rawat said Karachi’s people have repeatedly supported Pakistan during difficult times.
He stressed the need to strengthen voices promoting peace, love, tolerance and brotherhood.
He said the purpose of Mehfil-e-Samaa went beyond music and Qawwali. The event aimed to remind citizens that Karachi’s strength lies in unity, mutual respect and love.
Rawat said cultural diversity represents the true beauty of Karachi.
“When people speaking different languages and belonging to different cultures and religions sit together and spread a message of peace and love, it reflects the true beauty of Karachi and the real image of Pakistan,” he said.
Call for Positive Opportunities for Youth
Rawat said Karachi needs more cultural and social activities that bring citizens together.
He said such initiatives can encourage young people to pursue positive activities and create hope in society.
“We do not want to give the youth of Karachi a politics of complaints and despair,” Rawat said.
“We want to give them a Karachi where there is sports, culture, music, education, employment opportunities and, above all, the right to live with peace, dignity and respect.”
He said solving Karachi’s challenges requires more than roads, buildings and infrastructure.
According to Rawat, society must also rebuild relationships and trust among citizens.
He said cultural and social activities can help strengthen those connections.
Promoting a Positive Image of Karachi
Rawat said Friends of Karachi and Youth of Karachi aim to promote the city’s positive identity.
He said the organisations want to connect Karachi’s youth with a constructive, peaceful and dignified future.
“We want the world to speak of Karachi not only because of its problems, but because of its peace, love, culture, art, talented youth and the spirit of brotherhood among its people,” he said.
Rawat said the message of love and peace conveyed through Qawwali and spiritual poetry was for everyone.
He thanked the qawwals, religious scholars, spiritual leaders, guests, media representatives and citizens who attended the gathering.
He also acknowledged the media’s role in highlighting Karachi’s positive and constructive side.
Message of Hope and Unity
Rawat said Karachi’s people want peace, development and dignity.
He added that citizens also want a safe and prosperous future for their children.
“We must turn this hope of the people of Karachi into our strength,” he said.
“We must move forward with love against hatred, unity against division, and hope against despair.”
At the conclusion, participants expressed their commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, brotherhood and cultural harmony in Karachi.
The Mehfil-e-Samaa reinforced a message that Karachi’s identity extends beyond its challenges.
Its people, culture, diversity, tolerance and vibrant spirit remain central to the city’s identity.
