Pakistani writers, critics say TV dramas reflect poor research, insensitivity in depiction of mental health

Pakistani actor Imran Ashraf as Bhola, a young man suffering from a mental health disorder, in drama serial Ranjha Ranjha Kardi. The drama aired on Hum TV from Nov 2018 till June 2019. (HUM TV)
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Updated 07 September 2022
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Pakistani writers, critics say TV dramas reflect poor research, insensitivity in depiction of mental health

  • Pakistani dramas have been criticized for portrayal of mental health disorders
  • Psychologist, critics suggest prior research to avoid sending out wrong messages regarding mental health

KARACHI: Pakistani drama serials need to be more responsible with the way they tackle sensitive subjects such as depression and mental health issues, Pakistani writers, critics and a psychologist said, criticizing the lack of research and sensitivity that goes into producing most television dramas in the South Asian country.

Mental health is a widely discussed topic in today’s world, with prominent activists and celebrities urging people to break the taboo and speak about it. Pakistani dramas are avidly watched by millions in the country, with some going on to become even stellar hits across the border in neighboring India.

Pakistani TV shows ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi’, ‘Ishq Zah e Naseeb’, ‘Saraab’, ‘Sabaat’, ‘Phaans’ and ‘Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay’ depicted mental health issues in recent years. However, most of them either made it look comical, lacked depth or ended up with misleading representations of the characters that have mental health issues.

Aamna Haider Isani, prominent drama critic and editor-in-chief of ‘Something Haute’— an entertainment news website— told Arab News on Monday that Pakistani dramas rarely represent a character with mental health issues in a responsible, let alone well-informed way.

“The issue is the superficiality with which characters with mental health issues are represented,” Isani said. “They are rarely diagnosed with a concrete or certified problem. All we know is that they’re ‘not normal’ which we know is not a term medically acceptable anymore,” she added.

“Doctors or therapists dealing with these characters are never competent and very poorly reflect on the problem and the solution the character needs,” she added. “There is rarely any, let enough research or insight into these characters.”

Isani said writers and directors must consult mental health professionals when writing such characters. “An unfair or inadequate representation can send out wrong, and very harmful messages,” she said.

Rida Bilal, a playwright who penned the recently concluded drama serial ‘Zakham’, told Arab News on Tuesday that in Pakistani dramas, a person who has depression does not “necessarily have to be locked in a room.”

“Sensitivity and relatability are very essential,” she said.




Actor Sonya Hussyn as Hoor, who has schizophrenia, in drama serial 'Saraab,' aired from August 2020 till March 2021. (HUM TV)

The playwright also pointed to production constraints that often deprive a serial of its rightful depiction. “There are constraints from production houses and TV channels. If they do not understand issues, what can a writer do,” she asked.

Bilal recalled how she was once turned down for writing a drama on postpartum depression. “The script has to penetrate through so many stages that it loses its essence most of the time,” she explained.

Rabia Mughni, founder and editor of ‘Fuchsia Magazine’ told Arab News on Monday that mental illness is handled poorly in Pakistani dramas. Very few dramas, including ‘Ranjha Ranjha Kardi’ and ‘Saraab’, paid specific attention to mental health issues, she said.

“Dramas introduce an issue but do not provide any solution to it,” she said. “The depiction of a counsellor/psychologist is so poor that it defeats the purpose at hand. Dramas incorporate domestic issues and extramarital affairs along with these themes that take away the limelight.”

Mughni said dramas should instead reflect on the relationship between characters with mental health issues and their surroundings.

Director Saife Hassan, psychologist Dr. Asha Bedar, playwright Bee Gul and others spoke at a zoom session titled ‘Do Pakistani TV dramas get it right when it comes to Mental Health?’ on August 31, moderated by Tasneem Ahmar, executive director of Uks Research Center.

Dr. Bedar said the way mental health issues are treated in Pakistani dramas reflects laziness, which ultimately results in inaccurate depiction. She said it isn’t difficult to rectify these issues.

She recalled a scene from a drama where a psychiatrist can be seen having coffee with his client at a café. “That is so basic, that it doesn’t require any research. You can ask any psychologist and they will tell you this isn’t how it works,” Dr. Bedar added.

“We show [in dramas] suicide to give a very convenient end; if nothing else is working, the villain commits suicide.”

Scriptwriter Gul lamented there was not always enough time to research a particular subject before making a drama, but admitted it was a huge responsibility on the writer’s part.

Gul wrote the script of the Yumna Zaidi-starrer ‘Dar Si Jati Hai Sila’ that very sensitively handled the subject of sexual harassment and its impact on the survivor. The drama tried to capture the protagonist’s fear without sensationalizing it.

“It is not the job of entertainment media to teach; my actual work is to project what’s going on in society. Do audiences have that questioning mind to ask if it’s right or wrong? My job is not to decide that,” Gul said.

Saife Hassan, who directed the recently concluded drama serial ‘Sang e Mah’ that depicted suicide, regretted the fact that TV shows were treated by media and production houses as merely a business and that one could not change their perspective.

“I am not concerned about ratings; most of my dramas including ‘Sang e Mah’ didn’t generate high ratings,” he shared. “A lot of people said we glamorized suicide in the drama. I understand suicide in ‘Sang e Mah’ was not because of a major mental illness, but we didn’t intend to glorify it either.”




Haji Marjaan Khan (Nauman Ijaz) and Zarsangha (Samiya Mumtaz) commit suicide in the last episode of drama serial 'Sang e Mah,' aired on July 3, 2022. (Twitter/Telly Music)

Hassan was of the view that the onus was on the writers and content departments to be better trained at handling such scripts.

“They have mostly written digests in the past so I don’t think they have the awareness that someone who is suicidal is suffering from a mental illness after which he or she ends up taking their life,” he said. “They need to be educated on this.”


Exploring innovation at ‘Behind the Curtains: Scenes of Craft’ exhibition

Updated 57 min 34 sec ago
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Exploring innovation at ‘Behind the Curtains: Scenes of Craft’ exhibition

  • Step backstage to experience the creative processes of 10 renowned design studios, where failure fuels creativity

DHAHRAN: As a part of the annual Tanween conference at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, the “Behind the Curtains: Scenes of Craft” exhibition stands out as a captivating exploration of creativity, resilience and innovation in the world of design.

The exhibition, aligned with the Tanween 2024 theme “Fail Forward,” invites visitors to embrace the beauty of setbacks as vital stepping stones in the creative process.

The exhibition, aligned with the Tanween 2024 theme “Fail Forward,” invites visitors to embrace the beauty of setbacks as vital stepping stones in the creative process.
(Courtesy of Ithra Studios)

Curated and designed in collaboration with Isola Studio, the exhibition showcases the works of 10 internationally acclaimed studios specializing in crafts, circular design and material research, and is on until Nov. 6.

“The idea of staging the exhibition led us to the name ‘Behind the Curtains’ because we want to show what’s behind what you see, through a theater approach,” Gabriele Cavallaro, co-founder of Isola Studio, told Arab News.

“We asked studios to display their latest projects, not just the final results, but also the process, including failures, trials, and broken pieces. This highlights that reaching successful design involves going through mistakes and challenges.”

Curated and designed in collaboration with Isola Studio, the exhibition showcases the works of 10 internationally acclaimed studios specializing in crafts, circular design and material research.
(Courtesy of Ithra Studios)

Each studio provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their artistic processes, sharing inspirations, prototypes, and materials that did not make the final cut. This transparency highlighted the essential nature of experimentation in design.

At the heart of the exhibition lies an interactive workshop area, where visitors can partake in hands-on activities including sketching, molding, and experimenting with various materials, allowing them to experience the creative process firsthand. 

This interactive component emphasizes that creativity is often a non-linear journey filled with exploration and discovery.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The “Fail Forward” theme runs throughout the exhibition, encouraging visitors to see failures as essential learning experiences. By sharing their struggles and lessons, the design studios inspire visitors to embrace their own creative challenges. 

Cavallaro expressed his hopes for visitors, stating: “I want them to understand the importance of taking risks in life to achieve success.”


Lucy Liu shines in Zuhair Murad on Berlin red carpet

Updated 05 November 2024
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Lucy Liu shines in Zuhair Murad on Berlin red carpet

DUBAI: Actress Lucy Liu cut a striking figure at the Berlin premiere of her film “Red One,” wearing a head-turning gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

Liu dazzled in a black velvet dress from Murad’s fall/winter couture collection, which featured a crystal-encrusted bodice adorned with looped net detailing.

She completed the look with Tamara Mellon heels and Roxanne Assoulin jewelry. Her hair was styled in a sleek chignon with delicate floral details.

Liu walked the red carpet alongside her fellow cast members, including Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, J.K. Simmons, and director Jake Kasdan.

“Red One” is an action-comedy film which sees Santa Claus (Simmons) go missing in mysterious circumstances. Tasked with saving Christmas, the North Pole’s head of security (Johnson) teams up with the world’s most notorious bounty hunter (Evans). Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to locate and rescue Santa.

The film is set to premiere in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 7.

The unveiling of Murad’s fall/winter collection at Paris Fashion Week in June drew notable guests including Avril Lavigne and Ellie Goulding.

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The designs emphasize his signature craftsmanship with luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk and lace, with pieces featuring intricate beadwork, sequins and embroidery.

With a color palette of bold blacks, deep reds, and metallic tones, accented by warm shades of bronze and copper, they exude a sense of sophistication and drama.

Silhouettes range from voluminous, sweeping gowns to sleek, form-fitting dresses, incorporating daring cutouts and striking necklines. One highlight on the runway was a shoulder-baring gown in powder red, with sequins on the bodice transforming into cascading feathers on the skirt.

Murad has dressed an impressive roster of A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Zendaya and Katy Perry.

Earlier this week, at the premiere of Netflix’s “Time Cut,” US actress and singer Madison Bailey wore a black off-the-shoulder sequined long-sleeved midi dress with cut-out detail from the designer’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.


‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar showcases Pakistani art and architecture through the ages

Updated 05 November 2024
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‘Manzar’ exhibition in Qatar showcases Pakistani art and architecture through the ages

  • Exhibition features over 200 paintings, videos, sculptures and installations by Pakistanis from the 1940s to the present 
  • Exhibit has been organized by an Art Mill Museum team and will run at the National Museum of Qatar until Jan. 31, 2025

DOHA: A three-month-long art and architecture exhibition in Doha featuring the works of renowned Pakistanis from the 1940s to the present highlights the South Asian nation’s diverse art scene and brings unique insights on the evolution of art and architecture in the region to a global audience. 

Titled “Manzar,” which can be translated in Urdu to mean scene, view, landscape or perspective, the exhibition showcases over 200 paintings, drawings, photographs, videos, sculptures, installations, tapestries and miniatures from celebrated Pakistani artists. It has been organized by an Art Mill Museum team and will run at the National Museum of Qatar until January 31, 2025. 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani, inaugurated the exhibition in Doha last week. 

“Pakistan’s art scene is less well known in the world compared to other art scenes and for us art historians it is absolutely fascinating to be able to share it with the world,” Caroline Hancock, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Art Mill Museum, told Arab News.

“We wanted to recount an expansive notion of this place, not limited by drawn and imposed borders, but true to the porosity and transnational interconnections of cultural expressions [in Pakistan].”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani and his sister, Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani visit ‘Manzar’ exhibition in Doha, Qatar, on October 31, 2024. (almayassahamad/X)

Zarmeene Shah, Director of Graduate Studies at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) in Karachi, the co-curator for Manzar, described the exhibition as “exceptionally significant.” 

“Because we never see such a body of noteworthy work come together in a single space, as most of these artworks live in private collections, inaccessible to the public, which is why Manzar offers an incomparable opportunity for audiences to engage with these masterpieces, and to explore how art and architecture have responded to, and reshaped, the nation’s social and political narratives,” Shah told Arab News. 

“Our aim is to start a conversation and not provide a definitive showcase.”

The installation in the front comprises a fabric and gold-plated steel pins titled "You Have Set Me Apart" (2017) by Aisha Khali, and at the back, right, shows a stitching collage with dye ink on fabric, titled "Invisible Border" (2019) by artist Khadim Ali displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

The exhibition, designed by eminent Pakistani architect Raza Ali Dada, a managing partner at the leading Pakistani firm Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates, integrates architecture and art to chart the thought processes, resistance struggles and achievements of the artistic and architectural community of the South Asian nation. 

The exhibit runs thematically and opens with works by pioneering artists such as Abdur Rahman Chughtai and Zainul Abedin, who produced stellar works of art during British colonial rule from 1858-1947 and continued after Pakistan was born as a separate nation out of united India. 

The image shows a video installation titled "Disruption as Rapture" by Shahzia Sikander (2016), displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Indeed, the partition of 1947 is a significant theme for many Pakistani artists at the exhibition, including Anna Molka Ahmed, Zarina, and Bani Abidi. The exhibition also showcases the aesthetic experiments of artists such as Shakir Ali, Zubeida Agha, Murtaja Baseer, and Sadequain, whose deeply personal modes of expression are rooted in the vibrant urban centers of Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which embody diverse artistic responses to historical and cultural shifts in the region.

Zahoor ul Akhlaq, Imran Mir, and Rasheed Araeen — known for their multidisciplinary approaches, involvement in educational initiatives, and theoretical writings challenging Western art history and traditions at home and internationally — are also featured, as are influential figures of different generations such as Salima Hashmi, Quddus Mirza, Lala Rukh, Aisha Khalid and Durriya Kazi.

The image shows fifteen steel pyramids by Zahoor ul Akhlaq called "Untitled (circa 1975)", displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Important diaspora artists whose work is part of the exhibition include Naiza Khan in London, Ruby Chishti, Huma Bhabha, Iftikhar and Elizabeth Dadi and Salman Toor in New York, Bani Abidi in Berlin, Basir Mahmood in Amsterdam, Seher Shah in Barcelona and Khadim Ali in Sydney.

The image shows "The Orientalist" (2007) installation (left) by Huma Bhabha and "Memory of a Pink" (2012) (right) by Huma Mulji displayed at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

The exhibition also sheds light on significant contributions by foreign architects who reshaped Pakistan’s landscape and articulated the ambitions of its institutions through landmark projects. These include French artist Michel Ecochard, who designed the first university in the southern city of Karachi, and Greek artist Konstantínos Doxiádis, the lead architect who planned Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. 

Manzar also explores Pakistan’s engagement with the debate on regionalism in architecture through the works of influential architects like Nayyar Ali Dada and Kamil Khan Mumtaz from Lahore, alongside Yasmeen Lari, Habib Fida Ali, and Arif Hasan from Karachi. 

The exhibition extends to the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani with a range of outdoor and indoor installations, along with a film and video program.

Renowned architect Yasmeen Lari, who works in the intersection of architecture and social justice, has exhibited bamboo shelters designed as emergency open-source housing for flood victims, in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. 

The image shows bamboo prefabricated octa green structure displayed for the "Manzar" exhibition in the courtyard of the Palace of Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani at the National Museum of Qatar in Doha. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

Additionally, the art collective Karachi LaJamia is showcasing a project addressing the environmental crisis in the province of Sindh. Many of these contemporary projects emphasize the themes of sustainability and ecology, reflecting a growing urgency to address environmental issues through art and architecture.

The image shows "Flowers: Gardens of Paradise" (2021) by Hamra Abbas at the "Manzar" exhibition at Qatar Museums in Doha, Qatar. (Kuzey Kaya Buzlu)

“Manzar is an exhibition that truly reflects how everyone from the discourse of art and architecture seem in constant conversation, in dialogue about the environment, either the political environment or the ecological environment,” Karachi-based architect Marvi Mazhar said during a panel discussion, saying Manzar had brought into the spotlight the political and ecological changes the region has undergone through the decades. 

“We have always faced heartbreaks, be it the partition, or the formation of East Pakistan [present day Bangladesh] or other movements such as the politics of land and water. Yet historically we collectively ride the tide, through forging diverse practices and sensitivity to their connection to the wider history of modern and contemporary art.”


Bruna Biancardi, Yara Al-Namlah spotted at Hia Hub closing day in Riyadh 

Updated 04 November 2024
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Bruna Biancardi, Yara Al-Namlah spotted at Hia Hub closing day in Riyadh 

RIYADH: Brazilian model Bruna Biancardi and Saudi influencer Yara Al-Namlah brought the fourth edition of lifestyle conference Hia Hub to a close late on Sunday night in Riyadh.

Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with attendees in a fitted dark blue dress.

Bruna Biancardi, who is the partner of footballer icon Neymar, made a guest appearance at the event in JAX district and posed for photos with
attendees in a fitted dark blue dress. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Diving into the world of wellness, Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.”

The entrepreneur took to the stage with her mother, Amani Al-Ayed, and during the talk the mother-daughter duo engaged in a heartfelt discussion about the importance of self-love and self-care.

"You must love yourself in all the ways. Perfection is being with your own flaws. If you get a pimple, don't feel that it is the worst thing in the world, It is completely okay. Just take care of how you treat your skin by removing your makeup, sleeping with clean  well-prepped skin, and waking up using your routine,” Al-Namlah said.

Yara Al-Namlah, an influencer and the founder of Saudi skincare brand Treat, engaged in a discussion titled “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.” (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Al-Ayed highlighted the benefits of a simple skincare routine, saying: “I used to apply many products, that consisted of a lot of steps. What I learned from Yara, especially after Treat, is that she reduced the routine to three products.” 

The birth of Treat in June 2023 came years after Al-Namlah’s rise to stardom — she was a makeup artist before becoming an influencer and business owner.

Al-Namlah’s skincare line includes a brightening rice powder cleanser, a product whose development was inspired by her and her mother’s ritual of using rice powder to create a mask.

“The cleanser has natural rice powder, which exfoliates and cleans the skin, and it’s one of the products that was inspired by our routine,” she explained on stage.

The session came after five days of beauty and skincare-related panels, workshops and masterclasses at Hia Hub, with industry leaders discussing the evolving skincare market in the Middle East.

Panellists and speakers at the event included the likes of Patrick Chalhoub, group president of the Chalhoub Group; Franck Marilly, chairman of Shiseido EMEA; Hasmik Panossian, regional general manager of Sephora Middle East; Laurent Duffier, managing director of L’Oreal Middle East; and Henk van der Mark, vice president of retail, commercial and business development at Estee Lauder Companies EMEA.


At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

Updated 04 November 2024
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At Riyadh Season, Pakistan Week draws over 300,000 visitors to art, music and cultural activities

  • The event was held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the annual Riyadh Season as part of the Saudi Global Harmony Initiative
  • It showcased vibrant performances by Pakistani singers, delicious food, clothing stalls, truck art and other activities

ISLAMABAD: Art, music, delicious cuisine and clothing fascinated more than 300,000 visitors during Pakistan Week at Riyadh Season, the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday, adding the event was “well received” by local and expatriate communities in the Saudi capital.

Pakistan Week activities were held at Al-Suwaidi Park, located in the heart of the Saudi capital, from October 30 till November 2 as part of the Global Harmony Initiative under Riyadh Season.

The event featured vibrant performances by Pakistani artistes, delicious food, clothing stalls, and the iconic truck art from the South Asian country, attracting diplomats, top entrepreneurs and community members from both nations.

“Pakistan Week was well received by local and expatriate community in Riyadh as over 300,000 people visited colorful activities and arenas,” the Pakistani embassy told Arab News, adding that performances by leading Pakistani singers, drum maestros and schoolchildren as well as puppet shows and handicrafts captivated audiences with the diversity of Pakistani culture.

“The [Al-Suwaidi] Park was filled with food stalls, truck art, a play zone for kids and a cultural parade, which was a highlight of the event.”

The participants described the event as a “unique and unforgettable experience” as it offered a delightful blend of music, sports and culture.

“For the overseas Pakistanis in Riyadh, Pakistan Cultural Week in Riyadh was not just an event, it was a homecoming as it was a chance to reconnect with their roots, to share their culture with their Saudi friends and other global communities and to create lasting memories with their families,” Waqar Naseem Wamiq, a Pakistani expatriate working as a trade manager in Riyadh, told Arab News.

He said the vibrant atmosphere and the “sea of people” transformed the venue into a buzzing hub of entertainment and cultural exchange, setting a new benchmark for future events.

“Over 130,000 enthusiastic fans gathered to enjoy the performances by [singers] Ali Zafar and Asim Azhar on days two and three of Pakistan Cultural Week,” he said, adding that the overwhelming response not only highlighted the immense popularity of the singers, but also underscored the significance of cultural events in bringing together communities and fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

He said the meticulous planning and execution of the event by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media left a lasting impression on everyone.

“Attendees lauded the Saudi hosts for their warm hospitality and dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging atmosphere,” Wamiq added.

Ali Swati, who manages Traditional Taste Restaurant in Riyadh, said his stall at Pakistan Week featured ‘matka tea,’ ‘samosas,’ ‘biryani’ and other Pakistani dishes.

“Visitors loved these items so much that they placed numerous large orders for home delivery to be fulfilled after the festival,” he told Arab News.

Swati said Arab and other expatriate communities showed “great interest” in Pakistani food, appreciating its taste and diversity.

“It was a great opportunity for our business as it introduced our restaurant to many people and will help attract more customers to our outlet in Riyadh,” he said.

Another Pakistani expatriate, Muhammad Naveed, who works as an engineer in Riyadh, said the seamless blend of diverse cultural performances and activities not only entertained attendees, but also fostered a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures present.

“This exceptional effort by the Saudi hosts and organizers has set a new standard for cultural events, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to bringing joy and fostering community spirit,” Naveed told Arab News.

“The presence of celebrated cricketers, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed, added a touch of sporting excellence to the event as their participation not only boosted the spirits of the fans, but also highlighted the importance of sports in cultural celebrations.”

Besides the performances, he said, the week was full of a variety of cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Pakistan.

“From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, every aspect of Pakistani culture was on display, providing a holistic cultural experience,” Naveed added.

The Kingdom recently launched the Global Harmony Initiative to celebrate the diverse nationalities and cultures of its residents by exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.

The initiative, a collaboration of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, Ministry of Media and the Quality of Life Program, has been featuring events that showcase cultures, cuisine and heritage of countries such as Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and others.