The seventh day of Lok Mela brought the soulful soundscape of Kashmir to Islamabad as more than 200,000 visitors gathered at the Open Air Theatre to enjoy Kashmir Music and Kashmiri cultural expression. The evening programme drew packed crowds who came to celebrate folk traditions, song and dance from Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The Kashmir Musical Night featured an extensive lineup of Kashmiri artists whose performances transported the audience to the valleys of AJK. Performers included Altaf Mir, Ashiq Hussain Butt, Sohail Abbasi, Syed Dilawar Abbas, Nadir Khan, Hina Abbasi, Shakeel Ahmed Mir, Shahzeb Hussain, Sajjad Kashmiri, Natasha Khan, Raja Imran, Basit Sheikh, Noman Saleem, Babar Panjkoti and Bano Rahmat.
On stage, traditional instruments enriched each set with rhythmic depth. Accompanists Anwar Ali on keyboard, Muhammad Maroof on tabla, Sunny Gill on dholak and Muhammad Badar Khan on rubab added textures that underscored the authenticity of the performances and reinforced the evening’s focus on Kashmir Music.
The repertoire blended folk, pahari, sufiana and gojri styles, reflecting the region’s linguistic and musical diversity under the event theme Unity in Colors – Lok Virsa ka Sang. Audiences responded with sustained applause as artists stitched regional melodies into a concert of shared heritage and cultural pride.
Daytime attractions complemented the music, with artisan stalls, traditional cuisine, puppet shows and cultural pavilions representing Pakistan’s provinces. The Kashmir Pavilion attracted particular attention for its intricate hand embroidery, fine wooden craftwork and regional delicacies that highlighted local craftsmanship and taste.
Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Waqas Saleem said, “Lok Mela brings together Pakistan’s living heritage and reminds us that our cultural diversity is our greatest strength,” noting the strong public participation and widespread interest in the Kashmir showcases.
Lok Mela continues to welcome visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Lok Virsa until 16 November 2025, offering further opportunities to experience Kashmir Music and regional crafts.
