In Islamabad, a stage adaptation of the renowned folk tale “Saif-ul-Malook” captivated audiences at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), drawing an enthusiastic and diverse crowd. Produced in collaboration with Dolphin Communication and directed by acclaimed author and chief executive Asma Butt, the performance showcased the cultural richness of Pakistani folklore with vibrant dramatic flair.
The event attracted notable attendees from various fields, with Member National Assembly Shazia Farid serving as the chief guest. During her address, Farid commended Asma Butt’s artistic contributions and labeled the play as an exemplary stage rendition of the legendary tale of “Saif-ul-Malook.” She emphasized the importance of encouraging artists, describing them as sensitive individuals whose creative spirit deserves recognition and support, and congratulated the entire team on the production’s success.
The evening also saw the presence of several distinguished guests, including PNCA Program Organizer Dr. Waqar Azim, Judge Raheel Yousafzai, Sain Ejaz, Naveed Kanwal, Naeem Pasha, Shakeel Awan, Abid Abbasi, among others. The play featured accomplished actors from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with prominent performances by Kaleem Khan, Nirmal Ali, Arshad Khan, Shazia Adeeb, Jhalak Ali, Reiha Yusuf, Shama Adil, Afzaal Latifi, Aheel Ejaz, Shabbir Shah, Aslam Mughal, Arshad Mahmood, Mehboob Ilyas, Muhammad Ali, Mumtaz Khan, Farooq Jani, and Noor. The audience was particularly moved by Afzaal Latifi’s soulful rendition of the Sufi poetry of Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh.
Throughout the performance, the audience remained deeply engaged, responding enthusiastically to the quality of direction and acting. Following the curtain call, Asma Butt credited the show’s success to the collective hard work and dedication of the entire team, expressing optimism over continuing to deliver high-quality drama productions in the future.
The event concluded with a standing ovation, as attendees expressed their appreciation for Asma Butt and the cast, lauding the production for its artistic achievement and cultural significance.
