Karachi : Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a commemorative event in honor of the distinguished Urdu writer, humorist, broadcaster, and diplomat Syed Ahmed Shah Patras Bukhari. The ceremony was held at the Haseena Moin Hall, presided over by renowned poetess Zehra Nigah. President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, was also present at the occasion.
Veteran actor and music composer Arshad Mahmood served as the host, engaging in a dialogue with Ayaz Bukhari during the event. Their conversation highlighted various aspects of Patras Bukhari’s life and contributions. Video messages featuring reflections from eminent literary figures, including Zia Mohyeddin and Iftikhar Arif, were screened as part of the tribute.
A theatrical performance titled “Cinema Ka Ishq” by artists Faraz Chuttani and Hamza Ranjha captivated the audience with their unique acting, filling the hall with laughter and applause.
The event saw a large attendance from personalities associated with literature and the arts. In her presidential address, Zehra Nigah shared heartfelt memories, saying, “Today, the past is vividly alive before my eyes. I am fortunate to have met many great individuals.
I always found myself surrounded by such people. We wanted to continue cherishing these memories. We have many treasures that we wish to pass on to the new generation.”
Speaking at the event, Ayaz Bukhari revealed that Patras Bukhari had ancestral roots in Bukhara and had migrated from there in the 1800s. At home, multiple languages were spoken, including Persian, Urdu, Hindko, Pashto, Arabic, and English. He added that Patras Bukhari’s father also had a deep passion for poetry.
Ayaz also noted that the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, houses an open-air theatre named after Z.A. Bukhari, the brother of Patras Bukhari. He expressed his gratitude to President Ahmed Shah for organizing the event and shared that he created a website dedicated to Patras Bukhari 20 years ago, a project that took him four years to complete. “I dedicated this site to the children of Pakistan and all serious readers who wish to learn more about great personalities,” he said.
