Karachi: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi inaugurated a new cultural center, Aiwan-e-Josh, in the Gulistan-e-Johar area. The opening ceremony was presided over by Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, who performed the ribbon-cutting.
According to Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, notable figures including Munawar Saeed, poetess Fatima Hassan, and Ejaz Farooqui attended the event. The ceremony was also attended by Executive Director Daniyal Umer, Resident Director Bashir Sadozai, and several governing body members such as Adeel Zaidi and Iqbal Latif, alongside prominent literary figures. Shakeel Khan served as the moderator for the event.
During the ceremony, Muhammad Ahmed Shah highlighted the contributions of Josh Malihabadi, a revolutionary figure known for transcending barriers of language, religion, and ethnicity. Shah emphasized the importance of unity and constructive change, revealing plans for a cultural university as part of their preservation efforts. He noted the historical significance of Sindh and urged collective efforts to combat divisiveness. Shah expressed optimism for the future of Aiwan-e-Josh, encouraging writers and poets to contribute to its growth.
Renowned poetess Fatima Hassan praised the passion and awareness driving the cultural initiative, while poet Adeel Zaidi commended Shah’s dedication to the arts despite personal health challenges. Zaidi also noted the council’s success in uniting artists from 44 countries. The Aiwan-e-Josh features a library named “Yadon Ki Barat” and two halls, “Ektara Hall” and “Harf-o-Hikayat”. The event included an exhibition of thread-based calligraphy by Shah Nawaz Hussaini.