Tomorrow’s ‘Nusrat Fateh Ali Khans and Mehdi Hassans’ captivate the audience

Over 15 students participated in the singing competition.

ISLAMABAD:

Students from multiple schools enthralled the audience at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on Thursday. The competition served as talent hunt and was organized by PNCA in collaboration with the ministry of information and broadcasting.

More than 15 students participated in the competition; the auditorium was packed with students and teachers.

Muhammad Jahangir Hassan from Jinnah Primary School Rawalpindi who came first in the competition performed the ghazal “Hangama hai kyon barpa”, originally sung by Ghulam Ali Khan.

“I am happy to participate in this event especially after coming first.

This is the best platform to present my talent,” he said. Saima Kosar from Islamabad College for Girls G-9/2 came second by singing “Lambi Judai”.

A Pashto song sung by Zainul Abidin from Islamabad College for Boys G-6 brought the audience to their feet.

Capital Development Authority Sanitation Directorate Director General Rawal Khan Maitla, the chief guest, appreciated the students and their performances, terming them as assets to the country. “I am surprised to see the wonderful performance of the students who have made the country proud. They may be the next Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hassan,” he said. He urged the students to focus on their studies while pursuing their talents.

Director General PNCA Tauqeer Nasir said the PNCA was intent on continuing to provide avenues for young artists to further refine their talents. “No doubt these students are the assets to the country, and it is our prime responsibility to provide them a platform to showcase their talents,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2011.