Arts Council of Pakistan inaugurates “Aiwan-e-Josh” in Gulistan-e-Johar

Karachi
Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi inaugurated Arts Council District East (Aiwan-e-Josh) in Gulistan-e-Johar. The ceremony was led by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, who cut the ribbon. Renowned personalities such as Munawar Saeed, poetess Fatima Hassan, and Ejaz Farooqui were also present.
The event was attended by Executive Director Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Daniyal Umer, Resident Director (District Central) Bashir Sadozai, governing body members Adeel Zaidi, Iqbal Latif, Huma Mir, Ayub Sheikh, Syed Shehzad Raza Naqvi, Ashfaq Hussain, Hilal Naqvi, and Farasat Rizvi, along with several prominent literary figures. Meanwhile duties as moderator performed by Shakeel Khan. Speaking at the ceremony, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah highlighted that Josh Malihabadi was a revolutionary personality who worked beyond the barriers of language, religion, and ethnicity. He emphasized the need to eliminate divisiveness and underscored the difference between constructive change and destruction. If you do not know how to align the shoes of your scholars, your own feet will remain crooked.
Shah revealed plans for establishing a cultural university soon, stating that Aiwan-e-Josh is a part of their cultural preservation efforts. He also mentioned the historical significance of Sindh, noting that Sachal Sarmast was a remarkable Urdu poet three centuries ago. Shah stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat hatred and promote unity, stating, “Our work speaks for itself.” He said, “The Aiwan-e-Josh institution will not just move forward; it will sprint ahead. Writers and poets should also develop a plan for its growth so that people can benefit from Aiwan-e-Josh.
While Josh Sahib did not receive the recognition he deserved in literature, his work speaks for itself. One would struggle to carry the weight of even a single line of his writings.” He added, “When election time approached, and during the Urdu Conference, I would respectfully ask my elders to step down from the stage, and people would say these very individuals will secure his victory. To continue the cultural legacy, today’s youth must step up and play their role. Renowned poetess Fatima Hassan remarked that passion drives great achievements. There was the passion of Iqbal Haider, and now there is the passion of Ahmed Shah. If this passion is accompanied by awareness, it becomes even better.
The presence of everyone here is a significant moment. Those who love Josh Sahib are still alive today. A golden chapter in history is beginning, and you will see Aiwan-e-Josh reach great heights soon.” Poet Adeel Zaidi said, “Despite his severe health issues, Ahmed Shah never disconnected from his work. Arts Council has taken responsibility for Aiwan-e-Josh, and it now feels like the destination is near. We hope students come here to learn, engage in theater, and gain knowledge about art and culture.”
He noted that artists from 44 countries were brought together at one platform, highlighting the council’s efforts. At Aiwan-e-Josh, the library has been named “Yadon Ki Barat”, and two halls have been named “Ektara Hall” and “Harf-o-Hikayat”. The event also featured an exhibition of thread-based calligraphy by Shah Nawaz Hussaini.