Rawalpindi,The Punjab Arts Council (PAC) recently held its inaugural Punjab Music Competition in Rawalpindi, drawing participants from across the district. The event, aimed at fostering local musical talents, culminated in an awards ceremony presided over by the Director of the Arts Council, Sajjad Hussain. Awards were presented to the top performers, with Shahbaz Zamin claiming the first prize.

According to Punjab Arts Council, the competition featured prominent judges including Afzal Latifi, Nawaz Ali Hazravi, and Rubina Khanum. The ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Deputy Director Muhammad Shakoor, Assistant Directors Muhammad Suleman and Sarfaraz Khan, and Internal Auditor Saqlain Mahmood. Director Sajjad Hussain emphasized the significance of culture as a national identity and highlighted the Council’s efforts to promote the rich cultural heritage of Punjab on a global scale.

The winners of the competition, Shahbaz Zamin, Nazaqat Ali Shad, and Muhammad Adeel, received prizes of 20,000, 15,000, and 10,000 rupees respectively. Assistant Director Muhammad Suleman noted the various initiatives promoting musical education and cultural events in Punjab, which contribute to the development of the region’s music scene, including its popular folk traditions.