KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Stage Show Committee paid tribute to renowned comedian, actor and host Hanif Raja.

General Manager PTV Amjad Shah, cricketer Moin Khan, stage Show Committee Chairman Saadat Jafri, Behroze Sabzwari, Ayaz Khan, Shakeel Siddiqui, Rauf Lala, Ali Hasan, Zakir Mastana, Ahmad Raja, singer Imran Javed, Nazar Hussain, journalist Athar Javed Sufi, Akhtar Ali Akhtar, Saleem Afridi, Irfan Malik, Yawar Chawla, Aslam Sheikh, Naeema Garaj, Faisal Nadeem, Shabana Kausar, singer Saleem Javed, Babar Abbasi besides prominent personalities from showbiz industry, along with number of people, attended event. Nauman Khan performed duties of moderator. Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Adnan Siddiqui and Syed Furqan Akhtar spoke about Hanif Raja’s contributions to arts via video messages.  Showreel highlighting Hanif Raja’s artistic journey was presented at beginning of event. Behroze Sabzwari praised President Arts Council Karachi Ahmed Shah for elevating Arts Council to great heights, noting that many artists are alive today because of Arts Council since theater has almost vanished. 

He attributed challenges we face today to distinction between halal and haram and praised Hanif Raja as truly deserving of commendation. Shakeel Siddiqui mentioned that many artists have emerged from PTV and recounted that it took them 15 years to journey from Nazimabad to PTV Bahadurabad.  Saleem Afridi reminisced about days when they were learning together. noting that confidence is most valuable asset in showbiz and Hanif Raja is full of it. He added that glow on Hanif Raja’s face indicates that he still has long way to go, just like youth.   On Amjad Shah thanked Ahmed Shah for maintaining council’s vibrancy. He mentioned that Hanif Raja used to perform four different roles at time and excelled not only as comedian and artist but also as dancer, noting that an artist is complete package and Hanif Raja has never hurt anyone’s feelings.   Moin Khan stated that large turnout at event was due to love people have for Hanif Raja, making him very fortunate person.  Hanif Raja’s son, Ahmad Raja expressed his joy at witnessing tribute to son of laborer. He said that he has learned lot from his father, whose many roles were stolen by others.  Saadat Jafri shared that Moin Akhter had named his daughter Madiha and expressed his happiness at cricketer Moin Khan’s presence at event. He thanked everyone for attending in such large numbers, explaining that decision to honor artists during their lifetimes was made under guidance of Ahmed Shah. Saadat Jafri presented shield and flowers to Ahmad Raja on behalf of Arts Council Karachi