Karachi: On the 18th day of the Awami Theatre Festival 2026, stage plays in Urdu and Siraiki captivated audiences at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. The Urdu play "Paalna" and the Siraiki play "Pardes" addressed significant societal issues, drawing attention to social realities and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

According to Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, "Paalna," written and directed by Jamal Mujib, featured a cast including Abdullah Lala, Ajnabi, Eman Qureshi, and others. The narrative centered on an orphanage, exploring the lives of children separated from their mothers, often due to socioeconomic pressures. The play used a symbolic "cradle" to signify the burden of national debt, suggesting that ideological change is necessary for national progress.

At 8:00 pm, "Pardes," written and directed by Zahoor Malik, took the stage. The play focused on women migrating from rural areas to Karachi to work as domestic helpers. The cast included A. Khaliq, Amjad Shani, Aun Abbas, and others. The drama scrutinized their working conditions and highlighted the impact of specific negative practices, urging reform. Both performances received enthusiastic applause, with praise directed at the performers for their acting.

The Awami Theatre Festival 2026 will continue with daily performances until February 16. The festival will conclude with the staging of "Jahil" by Aamir Rambo. The public can attend the festival with free tickets.