Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Farooqi panel for the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi for 2025-2026, led by Ahmed Shah and Ejaz Farooqi, was announced at the Faizi Rahamin Art Gallery. The candidates from the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Farooqi panel include Muhammad Ahmed Shah for President (President of the Arts Council), Munawar Saeed for Vice President, Ejaz Farooqi for Secretary, Noorul Huda Shah for Joint Secretary, and Qudsia Akbar for Treasurer. The members of the governing body include Dr Huma Mir, SM Qaiser Sajjad, Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, Muhammad Iqbal Latif, Syed Sajid Hasan, Dr Ambareen Haseeb Ambar, Akhlaq Ahmed Khan, Ghazi Salahuddin, Muhammad Ayoub Shaikh, Amjad Hussain Shah, Amjad Siraj Memon, and Abdullah Sultan.
The announcement ceremony was attended by thousands of Arts Council members, including individuals from various sectors of society. These attendees included representatives from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, the business community, the artistic community, Karachi Press Club, Karachi Club, Karachi Gymkhana, High Court Bar, Karachi Bar, journalist associations, and various political, social, and cultural organizations.
They all publicly declared their support for the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Farooqi panel. On this occasion, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, said he would not ask for votes. He said his panel includes many prominent figures, and seeing a large gathering should not be mistaken for an indication of victory. “Alhamdulillah, we have already won. On December 24, we will celebrate with a Day of Gratitude and organize a Qawwali performance,” he said.
He further emphasized that his goal is to see people come to vote for him and be dedicated to changing Pakistan, not just any other change. He also recalled 15 years ago when Fatima Surayya Bajia proposed a resolution in a General Body meeting to make him the lifetime president. However, he opposed it because he loved to win after the competition.
He added that this institution was established to serve the whole of Pakistan. He helped establish and fund the other Arts Councils across Sindh. “I started cultural events for all civilizations here,” he stated.
He affirmed that he advocates for the country’s education and culture and reiterated that he would never form a political party or join politics. Provincial Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani mentioned that the Arts Council was once dilapidated, but significant changes have been visible since Ahmed Shah took over. He expressed his support for Ahmed Shah’s panel, saying he believes it will win the election on December 22. He also added that Ahmed Shah, despite being critically ill, welcomed all guests, even wearing an eye patch on one eye.
Provincial Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said, “I consider Ahmed Shah my uncle. Today, I am here not as a minister but as a voter. Elections are a healthy activity, and looking at the crowd, it seems that Shah Sahib will win unopposed. He is not just an ambassador of culture in but also of Pakistan. The Sindh government does as much as possible, but it is still insufficient. We will continue to support the Arts Council. Just like the Mayor of Karachi handed over this building, Faizi Rahamin, to the Arts Council, we will also bring the Arts Council of Hyderabad under Ahmed Shah’s leadership.” Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui said, “I am 100% with the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Farooqi panel.
Ahmed Shah was my student. From his student days, Ahmed Shah had a passion for moving forward. I always thought that Ahmed Shah would achieve something, and he has proven me right. Ahmed Shah is at the forefront among all the great individuals who have established institutions and made a name for themselves. The way Ahmed Shah has led the Arts Council to success, I congratulate him for that. If anyone can shake up the whole of Pakistan, it is Ahmed Shah.”
GM Jamali, president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, also praised Ahmed Shah for organizing diverse festivals and being a versatile individual who plans and executes successful events. He is a man of action,” Jamali added. Prominent businessman Zubair Motiwala highlighted Ahmed Shah’s achievement in organizing the World Culture Festival, which set a world record, stating that no one else could have achieved such a feat.
“Sixteen years ago, Ahmed Shah took on the responsibility and has turned his dream into a reality. On behalf of the business community, we fully support Ahmed Shah.” Khalid Tawab congratulated the Arts Council members on having great leadership in Ahmed Shah, who has worked to improve the city’s image and growth. He assured his support on behalf of the United Business Group.
Saeed Sarbazi, President of the Karachi Press Club, emphasized the mutual contributions of the Karachi Press Club and the Arts Council in promoting culture and human rights. He recognized Ahmed Shah’s efforts in combating terrorism and announced the Karachi Press Club’s lifetime membership for him. He also expressed complete support for the Ahmed Shah-Ejaz Farooqi panel.
