Arts Council of Pakistan officially launched its three-day “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” in Karachi with a vibrant opening ceremony attended by artists, students, and prominent cultural personalities.
The festival was inaugurated by renowned Pakistani humorist and intellectual Anwar Maqsood alongside Ahmed Shah through a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Alumni Art Exhibition.”
The event was attended by Arts Council Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, members of the arts community, alumni, and a large number of students.
Held at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery, the exhibition featured 31 unique artworks created by 19 students, attracting significant attention from art lovers and visitors.
Addressing the ceremony, Anwar Maqsood said the occasion was a joyful moment for young artists receiving recognition for their talent and creativity. He recalled that his first exhibition took place in 1958, while legendary artist Sadequain held his first exhibition in 1957.
He further shared that his paintings were once sold for 100 rupees while Sadequain’s artwork was priced at 800 rupees, adding that he was pleasantly surprised after seeing the value and quality of the students’ artworks today.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Shah expressed pride in the institution’s faculty and students, saying the Arts Council began its music academy with limited resources and has continued to nurture outstanding artistic talent.
The three-day “Arts Alumni Festival 2026” will continue until May 10 and will feature theater performances, music, classical and folk dance shows, live performances, art exhibitions, and interactive discussion sessions.
