Mehfil returns with three-city tour to celebrate Pakistan's musical heritage

Mehfil, a live music platform co-founded by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, is set to return with a three-city tour in May 2026, reviving its mission of celebrating Pakistan’s rich musical heritage.

Previous editions of Mehfil contributed to reviving iconic collaborations and revisiting nostalgic hits such as Laaree Chootee and Pi Jaun.

The LLMC was established in Hunza by the Aga Khan Music Programme (AKMP) in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy. Its purpose is to preserve the musical traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral while nurturing both indigenous and contemporary forms of music.

According to the Aga Khan Cultural Service - Pakistan CEO Tausif Khawaja, the Mehfil initiative aligns with the broader mission of the Aga Khan Trust to conserve and promote cultural heritage while presenting its richness and diversity to wider audiences.

Khawaja stated, "Building on this vision, the Leif Larsen Music Centre was founded to conserve the indigenous mountain music of Pakistan and nurture young talent from Gilgit-Balistan and Chitral.” He added, “We hope to bring the rich cultural legacy of this remarkable region to audiences across Pakistan.”

The upcoming tour will kick off on May 8 in Karachi, going to Islamabad on May 16, and then to Lahore on May 23, bringing together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds in a renewed celebration of Pakistan’s musical identity.