Jashan-e-Faiz : Big 100th birthday celebrations planned

Performances by leading artists and interactive sessions to take place.

KARACHI:

The Citizens for Democracy and the Faiz Centennial Committee, the National Academy for Performing Arts and the city of Karachi are organising a cultural event called Jashan-e-Faiz for the poet’s hundredth birthday at the KMC Sports Complex, from 11 am till 1 am, on Sunday.

“We have the support of over one hundred organisations,” CFD’s Fahim Zaman said while briefing the media. “The event will consist of many activities including a mushaira, theatre performances, folk music, talks and seminars, speakers’ corner, contests, art and photography exhibitions, handicraft and organisations’ stalls, children’s play areas, food court, medical camps and media centres.”

The day-long event aims to commemorate Faiz’s democratic values and acknowledge the multiple voices in our society. “Karachi is our city and we want to give the people a chance to enjoy a pleasant evening out with their family,” Zaman said, adding that this will help counter extremist forces that attempt to marginalise the constitutional rights of the citizens.

Leading artists such as, Jawad Ahmed, Strings, Ali Azmat, Shehzad Roy, Fusion, and Laal, will also perform at the event along with a mushaira which will be presided by National Language Authority chairman poet Iftikhar Arif.

Kashmir Road will be completely sealed and 4,000 parking spaces will be arranged near the sports complex. The visitors will be taken from the parking area to the venue in shuttle buses. “Only those registered with the CFD will be allowed to enter the venue. We also request everyone to bring their original CNICs,” said Saeed. Food will be arranged at the venue and guests are requested not to bring anything to eat.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th,  2011.