Music night draws huge crowds at Lok Mela

The ninth day of Lok Mela unfolded with exceptional vibrancy on Saturday, as more than 200,000 visitors thronged Lok Virsa to attend the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Musical Night, marking one of the festival's busiest and most spirited days yet.

The grounds were awash with colour, music, craftsmanship and a festive ambience that showcased Pakistan's cultural diversity at its finest.

The remarkable weekend turnout transformed the Lok Virsa lawns into a bustling cultural arena, where families, students, diplomats and art lovers explored provincial pavilions, interacted with artisans from across the country and enjoyed a wide selection of traditional cuisine. The overwhelming public response once again reaffirmed Lok Mela's standing as Pakistan's most cherished cultural festival.

As evening fell, the excitement reached its peak with a spectacular Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Musical Night, which proved to be the day's main highlight. The programme opened with commanding performances by Zeek Afridi and Bakhtiar Khattak, whose soulful vocals instantly captivated the audience. Rising star Sana Tajik enthralled spectators with her expressive renditions, while Raj Wali added depth and nostalgia with traditional Pashto melodies beloved by folk music enthusiasts.

The ever-energetic Fatima Nazish hosted the event, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout. A standout moment of the night arrived when the Shahid Ali Khan Qawwali Group took the stage. The 10-member ensemble delivered a powerful and exhilarating qawwali performance that had the entire arena clapping, chanting and swaying in unison — creating one of this year's most unforgettable festival scenes.

Adding further richness to the evening, Arzu Naz moved the crowd with her heartfelt compositions. A dedicated troupe of live musicians — playing saxophone, banjo, rubab, harmonium and tabla — enhanced each performance, weaving a dynamic soundscape that celebrated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's folk heritage.

Lok Virsa's Executive Director, Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem, expressed gratitude for the public's overwhelming participation, noting that the festival's tremendous success reflects Pakistan's enduring pride in its cultural roots. He reaffirmed Lok Virsa's commitment to supporting artisans, promoting indigenous traditions and providing a national platform to regional artists.