The Arts Council of Karachi gives Every year honorary membership to leading personalities in recognition of their contribution to the various fields and services to the society. This year too, the Arts Council, at a ceremony held on Wednesday, awarded honorary membership to renowned surgeon of Sindh Institute of Urology Transplant (SIUT) of Civil Hospital, Dr Adeebbul Hasan Rizvi; chairperson of Hamdard University Sadia Rashid, well-known film, television and radio artiste Mustafa Qureshi, music director Lal Mohammad and prominent, radio, television and stage artiste Qazi Wajid.
Renowned film, stage and television actor and anchorman Zia Mohieddin was chief guest on the occasion. In his brief but fascinating speech, he mesmerised the gathering, and announced to establish a school in here for music and art lovers.
Earlier, Arts Council President Khushbakht Shujaat, highlighted the Arts Council activities, and invited the attention of the audience towards the dilapidated condition of the council, which had completed its 40 years.
She said the present body during its tenure struggled to collect funds to construct and renovate the building, and added while the construction of the Arts Council's theatre had been completed, the plans for construction of a cultural village was in the pipeline.
She further said the administration block and offices had been moved from the ground floor to the fifth floor of the main building.
"Soon, the theatre would be inaugurated by President Pervez Musharraf, who wished to establish a modern theatre, and disclosed that he had allocated funds for this purpose. Actor Mustafa Qureshi, speaking on the occasion, said that in our country artistes had no value, but it was the Arts Council which acknowledged their valuable services.
"I am very happy that the Karachi Arts Council gave me honorary membership. I wish Lahore also follow this tradition," he added. Qazi Wajid and Lal Mohammad were also happy to receive the honorary membership and souvenir. Dr Adeeb-ul Hassan and Sadia Rashid did not attend the function, but their representatives received the honour.