Drama Festival at SALU: 3rd Shaheed Naseem Kharal Festival Held in Collaboration with Sindh Culture Department, Arts Council Khairpur and Shaheed Naseem Kharal Memorial Committee

Drama Festival at SALU: 3rd Shaheed Naseem Kharal Festival Held in Collaboration with Sindh Culture Department, Arts Council Khairpur and Shaheed Naseem Kharal Memorial Committee
“Writers and Dramatists Have Always Been the Creative Intelligence of Their Times; in the Age of AI, Human Insight and Imagination Matter Even More: Dr. Yousuf Khushk”
KHAIRPUR, Oct 4, 2026 — Press Release
The third Shaheed Naseem Kharal Drama Festival was held at Adib Rizvi Hall, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, bringing together students, artists and literary figures to celebrate drama as a medium of creative expression and social reflection.
The festival was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk and Dr. Ibrahim Kharal, Secretary of the Shaheed Naseem Kharal Memorial Committee. Arts Council Khairpur President Mukhtiar Malik attended as special guest, while its Secretary Habdar Jagirani was also present.
Organized in collaboration with the Culture Department, Government of Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif University, Arts Council Khairpur, Radio Drama Forum and Shaheed Naseem Kharal Memorial Committee, the festival featured two stage adaptations of stories by celebrated Sindhi short-story writer Shaheed Naseem Kharal.
The dramatic adaptation of “Guzril Wardaat” was written by Dr. Ibrahim Kharal, while “Nangar” was adapted by Hubdar Jagirani. The plays were directed by Faheem Bhutto and Jabbar Gilal.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Dr. Yousuf Khushk said writers and dramatists have always been the creative intelligence of their times. Just as artificial intelligence today brings together information from diverse sources and presents it in new forms, writers and dramatists draw upon observation, reading, human experience and imagination to interpret life and society. In the age of AI, he said, human insight, sensitivity and imagination remain indispensable.
Reflecting on the two performances on Naseem Kharal stories , Dr. Khushk said good drama is not merely entertainment; it is also a creative, psychological, social and cultural audit of its time and society. Through characters and situations, drama brings to the surface attitudes, contradictions and psychological dimensions that often remain unnoticed in everyday life. Such activities, he said, encourage students to question, view society from multiple perspectives, understand human behaviour and develop critical and creative thinking.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the support of the Culture Department, Government of Sindh, Shaheed Naseem Kharal Memorial Committee and Arts Council Khairpur in promoting literary and cultural activities. He particularly acknowledged Faisal Dara Shikoh, son of Shaheed Naseem Kharal and Dr Ibrahim Kharl a driving force behind the Memoral Committee patronage and efforts to carry the writer’s literary legacy to younger generations. He also commended Dr. Ibrahim Kharal for his literary and organizational contribution and Faheem Yahya Bhutto for his sustained efforts in organizing the festival and promoting dramatic activities. Collaboration between universities and cultural institutions, he observed, provides an important bridge connecting students with literature, art, creative expression and social consciousness.
President Arts Council Khairpur Mukhtiar Malik appreciated the initiative and commended Dr. Khushk for encouraging cultural activities at the university. He said such programmes provide students, particularly those studying media, with valuable opportunities for practical learning beyond the classroom and expressed hope for further cultural and educational collaboration between Arts Council Khairpur and Shah Abdul Latif University.
Dean Professor Dr. Chandan Lal praised the Vice Chancellor’s vision for promoting education, research and co-curricular activities, saying such festivals help students build confidence, creativity and practical experience. Chairman, Department of Media and Communication Studies, Professor Dr. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman also appreciated the performances and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to encouraging students’ creative engagement.
Faheem Bhutto conducted the proceedings and acknowledged the support of the Vice Chancellor, university administration, students, artists and organizers. The performances featured Mumtaz Bhayo, Murad Jani, Samar Ali, Ghulam Abbas, Sultan, Raja, Badar Shaikh, Ubdar Jagirani, Moheb, Aqib Abro, Karim Joyo and Gul Shaikh, among others.
Certificates were distributed among the artists and participants at the conclusion of the festival in recognition of their performances and contributions.
Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, Sharif Abbasi, Safiullah Shar, Babu Mastoi, Badar Shaikh, Dr. Sahib Oad, faculty members, artists, guests and a large number of students attended the event.
Media Section
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur