RAWALPINDI: Once a hub for family entertainment and cultural heritage, the Rawalpindi Arts Council has become marred by frequent brawls, political interference, and administrative inaction, driving families away from its events.
According to sources, physical altercations have become routine, with two fights breaking out in the past week alone. Despite these incidents, the council’s administration has failed to take legal action or file complaints with the police.
Founded in 1975, the council was originally intended to promote Punjabi culture, local artists, and drama festivals. However, in recent years, political pressures have led to the barring of over half of the council’s artists, directors, and singers from the premises. A female director’s play was abruptly removed from the schedule, and a former director was dismissed due to political interference.
These issues have persisted despite efforts from local political leaders, including a senator and two members of the National Assembly, to resolve the situation. As a result, attendance has sharply declined, with many shows now attended only by security personnel and artists’ families.
Earlier this week, a violent altercation erupted before a play, with young men exchanging blows and shouting insults. The altercation caused families, particularly women and children, to flee the scene. The brawl lasted nearly 30 minutes, despite attempts to intervene.
Families and artists have appealed to Punjab’s Information Minister Uzma Bukhari to visit the council, engage with all artist groups, and lift the bans. They warned that failure to act could turn the Arts Council into a political battleground, endangering its future as a cultural center.
