September 23, 2006	Saturday	Sha'aban 29, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 22: Pattan Lok Natak in collaboration with National Aids Control Programme (NACP) on Friday launched a street theatre campaign against Aids.

People warmly welcomed the street theatre performances at Bari Imam and asked many questions regarding the deadly HIV/AIDS and its prevention through collective and individual actions.

Almost 500 people were educated regarding HIV/AIDS through three street theatre performances and were requested to spread the message among their families, relatives and neighbours.

The main objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the public about HIV/AIDS. Street theatre would perform at other public places of the twin cities as well. At the end of each performance, the experts from National Aids Control Programme would provide information regarding Aids through addresses and distribution of printed material regarding HIV/AIDS.

According to William Pervaiz, Coordinator Pattan Lok Natak and Dr Asima Bokhari, Director National Aids Control Programme, the main purpose of street theatre campaign was to eradicate HIV/AIDS and bring awareness regarding precautions for the incurable disease among public.

Theatre is one of the oldest form of awareness raising in which spectators come in to direct contact with the actors. Its effects are greater and more direct as uneducated and ordinary people with little know-how could also get a lesson from it and apply the knowledge for the betterment of their lives and society.

The performances would also be staged at Bara Kaho, Aabpara Chowk, Juma Bazar, F-10 Markaz.

The performance was to be displayed on Saturday in Rawalpindi Rawat and near-by areas and Nawaz Sharif Park (Shamsabad Park Double Road).