Khumariyan Band to Headline PNCA's Inaugural Live Series in Islamabad
The Khumariyan band, hailing from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, is set to take centre stage at the first edition of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) live series. This landmark event is scheduled for 14 February at the PNCA in Islamabad, with performances commencing at 7.30pm.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Khumariyan is widely recognised for its powerful fusion of traditional Pashto folk music with contemporary influences. Their unique tunes focus on elevating music as a medium of peace, breaking away from the South Asian tradition of vocal-based music. The band composes with minimal vocal fragments to enhance overall harmony, blending traditional folk elements with modern styles in an attempt to preserve musical heritage and art.
PNCA's Milestone Initiative
PNCA has formally launched its first-ever live series, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of live music and contemporary performing arts in Pakistan. This forward-looking cultural initiative is designed to provide a professional and inclusive platform for artists from all regions of the country.
The event aims to:
- Celebrate musical diversity
- Promote cultural dialogue
- Reconnect audiences with high-quality live performances within an institutional setting
Official Statements and Vision
The initiative has been conceived and produced by Inayatur Rahman, Supervisor Performing Arts at PNCA. Commenting on the launch, the Director General of PNCA stated:
"The PNCA live series represents an important step towards revitalising live performing arts in Pakistan. Through this initiative, PNCA seeks to provide sustained platforms for artists from all provinces, promote cultural harmony, and present Pakistan's diverse artistic expressions to wider audiences. We are pleased to begin this journey with Khumariyan, whose work beautifully reflects the spirit of regional music rooted in both tradition and innovation."
Inayatur Rahman emphasised that the PNCA live series has been conceived as an ongoing cultural programme, with each edition showcasing different genres, regions and artistic expressions. The initiative aligns with PNCA's mandate to preserve, promote and present Pakistan's performing arts, while encouraging creativity and contemporary interpretation.
Future Prospects and National Integration
Future editions of the PNCA Live series will feature artists from across the country, strengthening national integration through culture and reinforcing PNCA's role as a leading national institution for the performing arts. Through this landmark initiative, PNCA reaffirms its commitment to:
- Nurturing artistic talent
- Supporting cultural innovation
- Offering audiences meaningful and memorable live performance experiences
This inaugural event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Pakistan's rich cultural tapestry, setting the stage for future artistic collaborations and performances that bridge traditional and contemporary expressions.
