TCF’s Obhartay Sitaray 2026 Brings Together Young Voices to Support Education

The Citizens Foundation (TCF) hosted the grand finale of Obhartay Sitaray 2026, bringing together talented young singers to celebrate music and support educational opportunities for underprivileged children.

Held at a local hotel, the event featured student contestants who showcased their singing abilities. Obhartay Sitaray is TCF’s annual inter-school singing competition, providing students with a platform to demonstrate their talent while raising funds for the education of children from less-privileged communities.

This year, more than 85,000 students from 161 school campuses across Karachi participated in the fundraising drive, reaching over 100,000 households. Meanwhile, 464 students representing 170 teams competed in the school-level singing rounds.

Renowned musicians Tina Sani and Salman Alvi judged the final rounds.

Musicians Encourage Young Talent

Salman Alvi, a jury member who has been associated with Obhartay Sitaray for a decade, said the initiative gives young performers an opportunity to showcase their abilities and build confidence.

He expressed his appreciation for TCF’s continued efforts, adding that even if only a few children receive the opportunity to perform, one of them could eventually become a major star.

Tina Sani also highlighted the importance of initiatives that encourage children’s creativity and ambitions. She said every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, progress in life and achieve something meaningful.

A Platform Built Around Education

First launched in 2012, Obhartay Sitaray was conceived by Supporters of The Citizens Foundation (STCF), a dedicated group of women volunteers. They envisioned bringing children together through music while raising funds to support education.

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Over the years, the initiative has developed into an annual event involving students, parents, teachers and supporters in a shared effort to promote education.

Reflecting on this year’s response, Mrs Nighat Daudi, a long-standing STCF member, said she was proud that Obhartay Sitaray provides schools with a platform to showcase their students’ hidden talent and help nurture future stars.

TCF’s Growing Education Network

Established in 1995 by a group of citizens, The Citizens Foundation is a professionally managed, non-profit organisation committed to creating positive social change through education.

Over the past 30 years, TCF has grown into one of Pakistan’s leading education organisations serving less-privileged communities. It currently reaches 343,000 students through 2,342 school units across the country.

Its model focuses on delivering quality education through purpose-built schools in urban slums and rural communities. The organisation also promotes gender equity, with girls accounting for nearly 50% of its total student enrolment.