Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: March 28, 2024 | 
| 中文
Muhammad Ahmad Shah
Not often does one have the pleasure of encountering someone with a personality as captivating as Mohammad Ahmed Shah's. As the President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, Shah possesses a unique blend of charisma and humbleness, making him a compelling figure in the cultural landscape of Pakistan, with lofty ideals and a pragmatic approach. Over the past two decades, Shah has left an indelible mark on the literary and artistic community of the country.
Recently honored with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz award, Shah's response reflects his humility and gratitude. He views the award not just as a personal achievement, but as a recognition of the collective efforts of individuals dedicated to the betterment of the nation. He remarked, "This award is a testament to the fact that this nation is not thankless. It sees someone working for the betterment of the nation and it acknowledges them."
Muhammad Ahmed Shah with his family after receiving Hilal-e-Imtiaz at President House Islamabad
Shah's journey to his current position is characterized by a deep-seated passion for literature, particularly Urdu literature, which blossomed during his formative years. In a conversation with Youlin Magazine, Shah reminisced about his early encounters with Urdu literature, which created a lifelong love affair with the written word. He vividly recalls the enchanting tales that captured his imagination and sparked his curiosity about the people behind them. Shah recounted, "At the age when young boys are into idle pursuits, I was fortunate enough to fall in love with Urdu literature."
He explained that as he read Urdu literature and poetry, he was fascinated by how words were woven together to build entire magical realms. “I wanted to meet these magicians. So, I started visiting the homes of many literary giants residing in Karachi. I would knock on their door, introduce myself and try and win their hearts by revealing to them my familiarity with their writings. Soon enough, I started getting invited by them, and that is when the fascinating world of art and culture started opening for me.”
Opening an art exhibition with legendary satirist and artist Anwar Maqsood (center)
During his years at the University of Karachi, Shah's intellectual horizons expanded exponentially. His voracious appetite for knowledge led him to explore not only Urdu but also English literature, as well as works translated from various languages. His frequent visits to institutions like the Friendship House and the British Council, served as catalysts for intellectual growth, exposing him to diverse literary traditions and perspectives. Shah remarked, "I spent time at the University of Karachi, where I was introduced not only to English but also Russian, Persian, Arabic and German literatures through translations."
Despite hailing from a conservative background, Shah's thirst for knowledge and cultural enrichment propelled him forward. He sought guidance from literary luminaries such as Raees Amrohi, Jaun Eliya and Nisar Bazmi, whose wisdom and mentorship shaped his intellectual journey and worldview. Shah reflected, "My family background was that of any average teenager. I was from a religiously conservative background, all of this enlightenment and the desire to do something for this city and this country, has come from my extensive reading and my connection to arts and literature."
Muhammad Ahmed Shah with veteran actor Talat Hussain
Shah's recent foray into public service as the caretaker Information Minister of Sindh, provided him with firsthand insights into the challenges plaguing the bureaucratic system. His observations on bureaucratic inefficiency and the need for systemic reforms, underscore his commitment to serving the public interest and fostering meaningful change. Shah emphasized, "Our bureaucratic system is not functional, and is not serving the interest of the people. An overhaul of the system is required, where bureaucrats are made to realize that they are public servant and not their rulers."
His early involvement in sports and the arts laid the foundation for his future endeavors. As a founding member of a theatre society and an avid participant in sports activities, Shah recognized the transformative power of culture and community engagement.
Ahmed Shah presenting Lifetime Achievement Award to Shafqat Amanat Ali
Upon joining the Arts Council of Pakistan in 1999, Shah embarked on a journey of transformation and innovation. His tenure saw the introduction of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at intellectual upgradation and youth empowerment. By fostering an environment conducive to creativity and learning, Shah paved the way for a new generation of artistic leaders.
Shah made history by becoming the first elected President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi in 2010. Before him, the President of the Council was the Commissioner of Karachi. “I introduced this amendment in order to ensure that a person who is creative leads the Arts Council, instead of a 19th-grade government official with no interest in arts or culture.”
Under his leadership, the Council flourished, hosting flagship events such as the Aalmi Urdu Conference (International Urdu Conference) and the Music Festival. Shah's commitment to intellectual excellence and inclusivity is evident in his efforts to groom young talent and provide them with leadership opportunities within the organization.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah at the Provincial Conference for Minorities with Caretaker Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar
In recent years, Shah has spearheaded national outreach programs such as the Pakistan Literature Festival and the Youth Outreach Initiative. These endeavours aim to bridge cultural divides, promote social cohesion, and empower the youth to become agents of change in their communities. Shah remarked, "The goal of the program is to activate our youth, connect them to our culture and heritage and unite the federation under one banner."
Internationally, Shah has been a champion of cultural diplomacy, organizing events such as the Pakistan Theatre Festival to showcase Pakistan's rich cultural heritage on the global stage. Through collaborative efforts with foreign embassies and cultural institutions, Shah seeks to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Shah expressed, "Our goal is and forever will continue to be international cultural diplomacy."
Looking to the future, Shah envisions a Pakistan characterized by pluralism, inclusivity, and social harmony. He believes that by nurturing artistic talent, fostering dialogue and promoting cultural exchange, Pakistan can realize its full potential as a vibrant and dynamic society.
Mohammad Ahmed Shah's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance and visionary leadership. As a stalwart advocate for the arts and culture, Shah continues to inspire generations and shape the cultural landscape of Pakistan and beyond.
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