LAHORE: A memorable Sufi Night was held at Governor House here on Friday which was attended by a large number of people.

The event, annual fundraiser organised by Seed Out, was hosted by actor Ahsan Khan and Ayesha Sana.

It was attended by people from various walks of life, including representatives of local businesses, companies and organisations, besides artists, musicians and celebrities.

Renowned singer Abida Parveen gave a lively performance, enthralling the audience.

Zain Ashraf Mughal, the CEO of Seed Out delivered an energising speech on the occasion. It also featured performances including elegant Sufi dances.

Mr Mughal said Seed Out also celebrated the success of 600 entrepreneurs it helped to establish small businesses in four cities across Pakistan.

He said the event was aimed at inspiring people to donate for the alleviation of poverty in the country.

The proceeds from the event would help the organisation pull thousands of underprivileged Pakistanis out of poverty by setting up small businesses for them, he added.

Exhibition: An exhibition of photographs and paintings opened at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, in connection with the Pakistan Day on Saturday.

The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Provincial Minister for Industries, Commerce and Investment Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal along with Lahore Arts Council Executive Director Athar Ali Khan and LAC Chairman Tauqeer Nasir.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the day March 23 was a turning point in the struggle for creating Pakistan. The day provided a clear direction to the struggle.

He also reminded the participants of the sacrifices of the Pakistan Movement veterans.

Mr Athar Ali Khan said, “On this day we should try to raise awareness among the new generations about the struggle of the Muslims for their self-determination and how important it was to safeguard Pakistan’s solidarity and integrity”.

He also said it was an occasion to pay tribute to our great leaders who withstood all adversities but remained steadfast in their mission to secure a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.

The Lahore Arts Council celebrated the Pakistan Day on Saturday with cultural and traditional passion, zeal and enthusiasm as it organised an exhibition, national songs programme, Mushaira, stage plays and other activities.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2019