Karachi: The Citizens Foundation (TCF) recently concluded the Grand Finale of its annual inter-school singing competition, Obhartay Sitaray 2026, at a local hotel in Karachi. The event celebrated the musical talents of young performers while also raising funds for the education of underprivileged children across Pakistan.
According to The Citizens Foundation, this year's event saw participation from more than 85,000 students across 161 school campuses, reaching over 100,000 households. In the singing competition, 464 students representing 170 teams showcased their abilities in front of a panel of judges, including renowned musicians Tina Sani and Salman Alvi.
Salman Alvi, a jury member who has been associated with the initiative for ten years, emphasized the importance of the platform for young talent, stating, "It gives young talent a platform to showcase their abilities and build confidence." Tina Sani echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Obhartay Sitaray in supporting children's dreams.
The competition, launched in 2012 by the Supporters of The Citizens Foundation (STCF), aims to unite children through music and raise funds for education. Over the years, it has become an annual initiative involving students, parents, teachers, and supporters.
The winners of the event were announced across four categories. In the Primary Level, St. Joseph's Convent School secured the first position, with Beaconhouse Isphahani Road Campus as the runner-up. The Secondary Level saw the same results. Beaconhouse Senior Campus Gulshan won in the Senior Level category, with Hampton School as the runner-up. Heuser College emerged victorious in the College Level, with Beaconhouse College Program PECHS Campus taking the second spot.
TCF, a non-profit organization established in 1995, remains committed to providing quality education to underprivileged communities in Pakistan. Over the past three decades, TCF has reached 343,000 students through 2,342 school units nationwide, with a strong focus on gender equity, as girls account for nearly 50% of the student enrolment.