'His fingers will no longer weave magic on tabla'

The haunting silence of a hospital room has replaced the rhythmic beats of Shahbaz's tabla. Once celebrated for his mesmerising performances that enthralled audiences across the country and abroad, Shahbaz now lies immobilised in a hospital bed, robbed of the very hands that once brought music to life.

A bullet-riddled arm, now amputated, and the other trapped in a plaster cast stand as grim reminders of the tragedy that unfolded in the Kalat district of Balochistan.

Shahbaz, a member of the renowned Majid Ali Sabri qawwal ensemble, is among several artistes left physically and emotionally shattered by the Kalat attack. His fellow qawwal, Waris Sabri, seriously injured in the same attack, is currently fighting for his life.

According to Majid Ali, the troupe's lead singer, Shahbaz's contribution to their performances was irreplaceable. "His fingers would weave magic on the tabla, setting the tempo for every gathering. From Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad to Peshawar, and even across the UAE, his rhythm captivated listeners. The tabla wasn't just his profession — it was his identity and his passion," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.

The tragic attack, which left Shahbaz critically wounded, resulted in the amputation of one hand after doctors failed to save the limb riddled with bullets. His other hand, though intact, remains severely injured and encased in plaster.

As he lies confined in a hospital ward, Shahbaz's silence speaks louder than words. His tearful gaze repeatedly returns to his mutilated arms, as if asking society: Why was I punished for a crime I never committed?

"Artistes are meant to spread joy, not face bullets," lamented Majid Ali. "This act of terror didn't just wound our bodies, it scarred our souls."

Fellow performers describe Shahbaz not merely as a tabla player, but as the heartbeat of their ensemble. "Our qawwali used to begin with the rhythm of his tabla. Now, without him, our performances feel empty," one troupe member said, struggling to contain his grief.

The tragedy in Kalat has devastated not only Shahbaz's family but several others. Among the injured is Waris Sabri, who remains in critical condition, battling between life and death. Renowned harmonium player Musawir Abbas, along with Rehman Shahzad and Manzar, are also undergoing treatment for serious injuries sustained in the attack.