Thousands of music fans on Sunday night attended a concert of popular singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The concert was organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) to commemorate the extraordinary success of the 39-day World Culture Festival, which recently concluded.
The musical event was attended by ACP President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Sindh Chief Secretary Syed, Asif Haider Shah, and a large number of ACP members. Rahat showcased his extraordinary skills and captivated the audience by his melodious songs and famous qawwalis. He said he enjoyed a lot whenever he performed in Karachi.
Many people in the audience were seen in a state of excitement at the YMCA ground as they enjoyed the art of their favourite singer. Speaking at the ceremony, the ACP president said the concert was like the day of Eid for the ACP members and their families. “We have invited maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for all of you,” he said as he recalled having invited Rahat for the ACP members 15 years ago.
He also thanked the Sindh government for supporting the World Culture Festival. The ACP could not move an inch without the support of the Sindh government, he said, adding that the chief secretary was personally supervising all the arrangements for the culture festival.
The chief secretary also spoke at the concert saying that he was grateful to Ahmed Shah for his services. Last year, he said, 44 countries had participated in the World Culture Festival, but this time, artists from 142 countries participated in the event. “I think next year, people from 190 countries will come,” he said and added that the concert was a gift from Ahmed Shah and the Sindh government.
