ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Council of the Arts hosted a programme titled Saaz Samandar, featuring tabla maestro Ustaad Abdul Sattar Khan Tari on Wednesday evening at its auditorium.

PNCA Director General Dr Fozia Saeed welcomed Mr Tari.

Hailing from Punjab gharana, Mr Tari is a disciple of Ustaad Mian Shokat Hussain Khan, renowned tabla player from the subcontinent; he began his career by accompanying vocalists like Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Pandit Jasraj, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Roshan Ara begum.

Later, he received vocal training from Mehdi Hassan, and went on to become an accomplished singer.

Mr Tari sang renditions of several ghazals as well, leaving the audience in awe of his skill.

Dr Saeed, in her welcome remarks acknowledged his contribution towards classical music, calling him the pride of Pakistan.

PNCA is committed towards promoting work of the country’s artists, she said, adding: “We are also working on expanding PNCA’s activities to other stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.”

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2020