Socially charged play set to hit PNCA stage

A powerful theatrical performance titled "Baalkada" will be staged at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on October 11 in Islamabad.

Baalkada takes on sensitive and deeply human themes, highlighting two of society's most pressing issues — child abduction and the struggles of the transgender community. The play is written and directed by Arshad Minhas and presented by Dastaan Theatre in collaboration with the PNCA and the National Heritage and Culture Division.

Through emotional storytelling, the play captures the pain, fear and resilience of individuals caught in these realities while also addressing the silence and indifference that often surround such subjects. It uses the power of performance to make the audience think, feel and reflect on what lies beneath the surface of everyday life.

The story of Baalkada unfolds with moments of heartbreak and tenderness, laughter and grief, woven together to portray the experiences of people whose lives are often overlooked or misunderstood. The characters bring to life the emotional conflicts of those who exist on the margins of society, compelling the audience to confront their own perceptions and prejudices. The play blends realism and expression, keeping the focus on human dignity and empathy.