Karachi, February 5, 2026: The Gen Z Voices Calling – Short Film, Documentary & Animation Challenge 2026, organized by the Centre for Alternative Perspectives (CAP) in collaboration with the Press Information Department (PID) and the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications (DEMP), was held on Thursday at the Muhammad Ibrahim Joyo Auditorium, Liaquat Memorial Library, Karachi. The first part of the event was dedicated to observing Kashmir Black Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The opening session commenced with recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the National Anthem and a CAP introductory video. In her welcome address, Dr. Samreen Bari Aamir, Chairperson CAP, stated, “Platforms like Gen Z Voices Calling empower young Pakistanis to critically engage with national and global issues through creative expression and responsible storytelling.”
Addressing the audience as Guest of Honour, DG PID Mrs. Irum Tanweer stated, “Kashmir is not merely a political issue; it is a humanitarian cause rooted in the unfulfilled promise of self-determination.” She further remarked, “The unilateral actions taken by India in 2019 intensified the suffering of the Kashmiri people and brought the issue back into sharp international focus.” Emphasizing regional and global implications, she added, “Kashmir remains a critical flashpoint between two nuclear-armed states, making peace and justice a global responsibility.” Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, she said, “Pakistan’s stance is clear—we seek dialogue, not domination, and believe lasting peace lies in respecting the will and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” Appreciating the youth-focused initiative, she concluded, “Engaging Gen Z through film and digital storytelling is essential to counter silence, distortion, and indifference in today’s fast-paced media environment.”
Mr. Syed Huzaifa, Managing Director CMP and event sponsor, remarked, “Supporting youth-driven creative initiatives is an investment in responsible narratives and a more conscious society.” The opening session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sundus Basharat Ahmad, General Secretary CAP, who said, “The collaboration between CAP, PID, and DEMP reflects a shared commitment to informed dialogue and meaningful youth engagement.”
The second session featured special screenings related to Kashmir Day, including documentaries and a special song produced by DEMP in the presence of Director DEMP Mr. Tahir Nawaz. Presenting Black Kashmir, Mr. Faham Uddin Haqqi, Head of Film & Production, Greenwich University, stated, “Visual storytelling humanizes suffering beyond statistics and headlines, allowing audiences to connect with lived realities.” Shields were later presented to distinguished guests, followed by a group photograph.
The competition segment continued with Gen Z documentary screenings in Session II, hosted by Asma Hussain, followed by Gen Z short film screenings in Session III, hosted by Khizar Anjum and Basim Dilshad, showcasing young filmmakers’ perspectives on identity, justice, resistance, and contemporary social issues.
The event successfully blended remembrance with creative expression, reinforcing the importance of youth-led narratives in sustaining public awareness on Kashmir and other critical national concerns.
Pakistan Zindabad.
