Cultural activities: Nishtar Hall opens it portals for city

Theatre will be used for revival of Pukhtun culture, not for political activities

PESHAWAR: Nishtar Hall, the lone theatre in the city, was reopened on Saturday after renovation work was completed. The hall has been completely revamped at the cost of over Rs40 million.

An official privy to the development told The Express Tribune, Nishtar Hall will be used for the revival of Pukhtun culture.

“It will not be used for political activities,” he said.

A two-day carnival has been organised by directorate of culture. The initiative brought together artists from various districts who had won competitions at the local level.

Artists and people from various districts attended the event.

While addressing the participants, K-P Culture Director Abdul Basit said the purpose of renovating the hall is to provide quality entertainment facilities to locals.

“This is the only hall for cultural activities in the city,” he said.

Basit added they have altered seating arrangements, sound system and lighting and revamped the premises according to the requirements of a modern theatre.  He said all dressing rooms, including toilets have been renovated, while a cooling system will also be installed.

“In the past, the hall was used for political gatherings but now it will not be used for political purposes,” he added.

He maintained the hall will be primarily used to promote indigenous culture.

On the occasion, artists performed on folk music, cultural dances, skits and other cultural activities. Stalls with traditional cuisine, cultural dresses, books, indigenous games and handicrafts were also established.

Initially, the hall was expected to be reopened by March. As per officials, Rs39 million had been approved by the Public Works Department (PWD) for renovation of the hall which has a capacity of some 500 people. Around Rs67 million has been allocated to increase the capacity of the staff.

Walk through the past

The construction of this hall was completed in 1988 and legendary Indian actor Dilip Kumar was part of one of the initial functions held by Fatimid Foundation.

Although it is still known as the cultural centre of the city, the hall is in a dilapidated state and finally authorities seem to have woken up to this reality.

The hall gradually fallen into a state of disarray. During the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the hall was also completely closed for entertainment activities. This had an adverse impact on cultural activities in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2016.