Rawalpindi, The Rawalpindi Division of the first Punjab Theater Competition concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the vital role actors play in promoting Pakistan’s culture and entertaining the public. The event, organized under the Department of Information and Culture, Government of Punjab, and hosted by the Punjab Arts Council, was a showcase of the region’s theatrical talent.

According to Punjab Arts Council, Mr. Saqib Rafiq, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of the Board of Management Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi, served as the chief guest at the event. He lauded the actors as national assets who contribute significantly to cultural promotion and entertainment. The competition featured performances from several theater groups, including Shazia Theater Group, Patan Lok Natak, Royal Theatre, Rawalpindi Cultural Theatre, Dolphin Communication, NCDF Pakistan, Abbasi Culture Theatre, and Green Channel Theater Group. These groups were celebrated for their excellent performances, drawing great appreciation from audiences.

Deputy Director of the Punjab Arts Council, Muhammad Shakoor, highlighted the Divisional and Provincial competitions of the first Punjab Theater Talent Hunt as key achievements for the Punjab government, underscoring the initiative’s role in discovering and nurturing theatrical talent across the province. The panel of judges for the competition included Ifat Chaudhry, Afzal Chahal, and Shakeel Adnan, who evaluated the performances based on various criteria.

The winners of the Rawalpindi Division competition are set to participate in the Provincial Theater Competition, scheduled for March 9, 2024, in Lahore. This next stage will feature the top teams from each division, further promoting the rich theatrical heritage of Punjab and providing a platform for emerging talent to shine at a provincial level.