As a sequel the massive devastation resulting from the October 8 earthquake, which hit AJK and a vast area of NWFP, Eid in Lahore this year will be celebrated more with solemnity and less festivities. The gory details of the unprecedented natural calamity, which are unfolding themselves gradually, have caused countless hearts to bleed in sympathy with millions of victims.
As elsewhere in the country, people in Lahore have and continue to donate generously to relief funds for their calamity-hit brethren at collection centers set up in the city by social organizations, schools and at market places. The residents of the provincial metropolis contributed to the maximum extent with much persuasion.
They were motivated by the fraternal feelings for their unfortunate compatriots. Cultural organizations and artistes did not lag behind and joined the relief efforts in a show of solidarity with the victims of dreadful earthquake. However, some eyebrows were raised when a few of them tried to convert their participation into photo sessions and self-projection.
Like a number of politicians, who seemed to be guided by self-publicity some among the creative persons also tried to elbow others out in seeking photo and TV coverage.
The concern of the artistes, which they have shown for the unfortunate people of AJK and NWFP was duly appreciated by the people in Lahore and the way in which they have rushed to provide soccour and relief to the quake victims have won them the hearts of music lovers in Lahore.
Popular singer Shehzad Roy and his NGO were actively involved in the relief efforts. His disclosure that he had set up a tent city I Balakot, which was providing relief to sufferers, was particularly welcomed.
Seemingly deeply moved by the colossal losses in human life and property caused by the earthquake, he has appealed to the people to donate generously to mitigate the sufferings of the unfortunate victims.

****************On October 25 Punjab Auqaf Minister Shahibzada Saeedul Hassan Shah inaugurated the first five-day rare Qura'nic manuscripts exhibition at the Samaa Hall of Data Darbar Complex in Lahore, which attracted the attention of a large number of devotees of the Sufi saint.
Organized by the Iranian Culture Center, rare manuscripts of the Holy Qura'n, Islamic calligraphy, books in Urdu and English and Compact Discs (CDs) were put on display at the exhibition, which were much appreciated by the viewers. In connection with the exhibition, 14 renowned Iranian Qaris also arrived in the city on a seven-day visit to the city.
****************On October 25, an exhibition of the specimens of calligraphic art was inaugurated at the Lahore Arts Council Gallery by the provincial Secretary of Information, Culture and Youth. Sponsored and organized by the Punjab Council of the Arts in collaboration with Calligraphers Association of Pakistan, the exhibition had as many as 75 paintings by 34 famous artists of Pakistan including several big names in this domain of creative human endearour.
In his inaugural speech the Information Secretary said that the government was sparing no efforts in promoting art in the province. Explaining the financial constraints of the government he said the government could not purchase paintings of artists but it could patronize them and provide training facilities and also galleries where they can exhibit their works.
****************In keeping with melancholic mood created by the devastating earthquake, the provincial Minister for Education is reported to have banned cultural and musical events in educational institutions in the province, except for those which aim at raising relief funds for the unfortunate people of AJK and NWFP. Pakistan Television has not lagged behind others in contributing its bit to the relief activities.
In collaboration with National Logistic Cell it launched a special Eidi campaign for quake hit children with the name of Meri Eidi,Teri Eidi. The PTC Centre will collect Eid gifts from children in ten major cities of the country, including Lahore, which will be delivered to the quake-affected children.
It has also recorded three talk shows at public places in Lahore, in which general public was allowed to participate in the discussions and express their views about the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the homes of the affected people. Representatives of different political parties and showbiz celebrities also took part in the deliberations.