Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a condolence reference for passed away of esteemed members Ghulam Ali Wafa, Azizuddin Khaki, Ghulam Yaseen Qadri, Chand Puri, and Waseem Dhamea at Ground Floor (lobby area). Provincial Minister for Information, Minority Affairs, Social Protection, and President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah was the chief guest of the event.

Among the speakers were Chairman Member lesion 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 the moderator of the event, while Shakeel Khan offered prayers for forgiveness.

During the occasion, Provincial Minister for Information, Minority Affairs, Social Protection, and President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, expressed, “When Ghulam Ali Wafa, Azizuddin Khaki, Ghulam Yasin Qadri, Chand Puri, and Wasim Dhamea left this world, it was a heavy blow to the Arts Council. In the 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. The Arts Council is fulfilling its duty by giving rights to the rightful members. Work is also being done regarding the insurance and health cards of the members.”Chairman Membership Committee Asjad Bukhari remarked, “It is very difficult to speak in a condolence meeting for those who work day and night. The Arts Council is always with its members.

“Chairman of the Drama Committee Shahzad Raza Naqvi stated, “Everyone has their place in hearts, but Waseem Dhamea and Chand Puri were my artistic companions. Chand Puri was a great human being, and Waseem Dhamea made his mark through his work. Actor Zakir Mastana said, “The Arts Council is the only institution of art and culture that remembers people even after their death. Muhammad Ahmed Shah and his team are doing great work for the artists. I have worked with Waseem and Chand, and both were amazing individuals. Owais Adib Ansari commented that Azizuddin Khaki had magic in his voice of love.

We can always remain alive through our actions and characters.”
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 a smile. Taj Ali Ra’ana stated that Ghulam Ali Wafa wrote songs in Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki, and Rajasthani languages. The late legends Mehdi Hassan and Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan also sang his songs. His four collections of poetry were well received. Shahida Khursheed Kanwal expressed that I could not imagine Aziz Khaki would leave us so soon.

Chef Sabeen Fatima mentioned that Azizuddin Khaki liked my cooking very much. He was a gem of a person; such sincere people are very few in the world. Younis Memon said that Chand Puri was the best actor. This condolence reference is a means of meeting. Mansoor Sahir commented that all these people were skilled in their fields. The king of love, Ghulam Ali Wafa, is still alive today. Ilyas Nadim stated that I did drama with Waseem Dhamea. He was a very talented person. Everything I am today is due to Waseem Dhamea’s grace.