Karachi: Arts Council Karachi organised condolence reference in memory of esteemed members Ghulam Ali Wafa, Azizuddin Khaki, Ghulam Yaseen Qadri, Chand Puri and Waseem Dhamea. Interim Minister for Information, President Arts Council Karachi Ahmed Shah, Chairman member liaison committee Asjad Bukhari, Drama Committee Chairman Syed Shahzad Raza Naqvi, actor Zakir Mastana, Ilyas Nadeem, Taj Ali Ra’ana, Nazar Hussain, Shahida Khursheed, Chef Sabeen Fatima, Mansoor Sahir, Younis Memon, Owais Adib Ansari, Waqas Babar, Farid, Ayan, Khurshid, Poet Ashar (Canada), Shahid Mehmood, Sajjad Ali Khan, and Muhammad Ali Naqvi. Nauman Khan was moderator of event while Shakeel Khan offered prayers for forgiveness.

Ahmed Shah, expressed, “When Ghulam Ali Wafa, Azizuddin Khaki, Ghulam Yasin Qadri, Chand Puri and Wasim Dhamea left this world, it was heavy blow to Arts Council. In pandemic, more than three hundred of our companions departed from this transitory world. We have also taken care of our members by providing ration, vaccines and financial assistance. Journalist Saleem Siddiqui also left us; their value is not recognized in our society. We valued Moin Akhtar, Umar Sharif and Chand Puri. Arts Council is fulfilling its duty by giving rights to rightful members. Work is also being done regarding insurance and health cards of members. Asjad Bukhari remarked, “It is very difficult to speak in condolence meeting for those who work day and night. Arts Council is always with its members.

Shahzad Raza Naqvi stated, “Everyone has their place in hearts, but Waseem Dhamea and Chand Puri were my artistic companions. Chand Puri was great human being, and Waseem Dhamea made his mark through his work.

Zakir Mastana said, “Arts Council is only institution of art and culture that remembers people even after their death. Poet Ashar remarked that Ghulam Ali Wafa was an ocean of love. I owe my love to him. Nazar Hussain said that Waseem Dhamea was so passionate, hardworking, and loving. Chand Puri was always greeted with smile. Taj Ali Ra’ana stated that Ghulam Ali Wafa wrote songs in Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki and Rajasthani languages.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 23 2024

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