PUNJAB COUNCIL OF THE RAWALPINDI

Formation of Board of Management

Mr. Saqib Rafique

President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Rawalpindi

Justification
 He has closed terms with the prominent businessmen and stakeholders of the region.
 He can support the Council to get sponsorship for the Cultural Activities.
 He has shown his keen interest for the promotion of Cultural activities of the Council.
 He is fond of art having immense knowledge of Art and Culture Punjab and Cultural
Heritage.

Ms. RabiaTabassum
Renowned Artist/Actor of the Area

Justification
 She is a senior most Drama Artist of the region having 50 years experience in the field of
drama.
 Helpful for organizing the Dramatic activities in a befitting manner.
 She is in good terms with the senior artists and business community.
 Her knowledge will contribute to the preservation and promotion of these traditions which is
a key responsibility of the Board of Management.
 Ms Naheed Manzoor
Ex- Resident Director, PUCAR
Famous Drama Writer.

Justification
 Ms. Naheed Manzoor is former Resident Director of the Punjab Council of the Arts.
 By her sincere efforts, in 1986 the then President of Pakistan has allotted 49 Kanal of land
where the Cultural Complex of Rawalpindi Arts Council was built.
 She is a renowned drama writer, her drama serials were also on aired on different TV
Channels "Tum Meri Manzil Nahi," "Band Gali Ka Chand," "Khawab Jo Bikhar Gaye,"
"Adhoray Khawab," and "Pasban," etc. known for her golden contributions for this Council
in the region.
 She can help the Council in arranging the Cultural activities on sponsorship.

Ms Assma Ismail Butt

Famous Drama Producer/Director

Justification
 Asama Butt is famous Writer/Director and producer of the Potohar region. She has been
associated with the field of drama from last thirty years.
 She is the owner of cultural organization Dolphin Communication. The said organization
has organized hundreds of cultural activities in the past two decades.
 She has worked with Embassies, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy on different
cultural activities.
 She will be valuable member in planning and holding cultural
activities.
 Mr. Javid Niazi
Famous Singer/ Composer

Justification
 He is a famous singer/vocalist with deep roots in Pakistani Music.
 He was born in the family that’s belongs to a musical background. He is son of famous
singer Toufail Niazi
 He has received Pride of performance and many other National & International awards
from Pakistan and abroad.
 He can help this Council for the sponsorship of the Musical & Folk events.

Mr. Naseem-e-Sahar
Famous Poet

Justification
 Mr. Naseem-e-Sahar is a retired academic professional with over fifty years of experience.
 He is a renowned poet of the region, specializing in Nazm, Ghazal, Naatia Poetry, and
fiction writing.
 He has authored more than three dozen books, showcasing his versatility in various literary
forums.
 Some of his famous works include "Pehli Uran," "Har Bound Samandar," "Dariche-e-Shab,"
"Roshandan Ami Chirya," "Jugne, Diyeaur Sitaray," and "Pas Andaz," among others.
 His innovative ideas for the future of the arts align seamlessly with the goals and objectives
of the Punjab Council of the Arts, suggesting a valuable
contribution to the organization.
 Mr. Hassan Abbas Raza
Famous Poet

Justification
 Mr. Hassan Abbas Raza is (Rtd) Director, Performing Art from Pakistan National
Council of the Arts (PNCA).
 He has written many poetry books like; Khawab Azaab Huau, Tawaan, Darya
Taman Shud, Ishq Badosh and Aawaargi men had say guzarjana Chaeay.
 He has also travelled with Pakistani Cultural troupes to Unites States and United
Kingdom as cultural manager.
 Both of his literary and Cultural expertise will help the Council in arranging art
activities and literary expos.

Mr. Muhammad Azeem Iqbal

Famous Painter/Designer/Calligrapher

Justification
 Mr. Muhammad Azeem Iqbal is a distinguished Designer Calligraphist and Museum Expert.
 He received specialized training in "UNESCO Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage"
from Japan in 2009, demonstrating his commitment to ongoing education.
 Mr. Azeem Iqbal possesses a diverse skill set, including expertise in Calligraphy, Miniature
Art, Wood Carving, Relief Work, Mix Medium Art, and Sculptures, among other artistic
forms.
 His versatility in various art forms has made significant contributions to the cultural
landscape of Rawalpindi and Punjab.
 His extensive qualifications, vast experience, and exceptional contributions to the world of
art and culture make him a highly qualified candidate for a prestigious board member
position.
 Brief
NAME: NAHEED MANZOOR_
AWARDS: LIST ATTACHED
FIELD: ART & CULTURE

 Naheed Manzoor has been heading Rawalpindi Arts Council since 1984.
This institution earlier was a small cultural place, situated in a rented house with
confined activities.
 After assumption of her charge as Resident Director, the Rawalpindi Arts Council
has grown into a big size cultural complex and under her dynamic and vibrant
leadership the activities of the Art Council have paced-up in diversified
directions.
 Her role in promoting art and culture in the Rawalpindi region is highly
Commendable and has been widely acclaimed on all forums of the society.
 In recognition of her hard work and remarkable achievements, the former
President of Pakistan, General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, during 1988 awarded her
letter of deep appreciation along with allotment of a sizeable plot of 49 Kanal of
land, on which this huge cultural complex is built up now. This provided ample
opportunities for the residents of Rawalpindi region to make and enjoy recreation.
 The former caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Malik Maraj Khalid also, in
Recognition of her devoted work, awarded letter of appreciation.
 This was followed by number of app recitations by federal ministers, dignitaries
and wives of chief of staff defense services, who happened to be chief guests on
cultural functions and exhibitions of this institution.
 Due to dedicated and committed services of Naheed Manzoor, this institution is
now engaged in providing neat and clean recreation to the public, surely keeping
in line without traditions and values.
 In second direction it is promoting arts and cultural activities through holding
functions and exhibitions of great repute which earn appreciation by electronic
and print media very frequently.
 In third direction this institution is imparting training to male and female students
in hundreds of number through its various coaching classes of painting, cooking,
stitching and sewing, flower decoration, textile designing, ceramics and many
other fields.
 As a result of these classes over the year, it has produced some renowned artists
of different fields and also enabled numbers of men women earn their livelihoods.
 Naheed Manzoor has really put her heart and soul together to contribute for the
right place and welfare of women of Pakistan in the society. In recognition of her
services she was awarded Fatima Jinnah Medal by the Federal Ministry of
Women Development in 2005. She is also a recipient of Gold Medal from the
local government administration, and there are also a number of laurels at her
credit.
Mr. Azeem Iqbal
Painter / Calligrapher / Designer

 Mr. Azeem Iqbal has a solid educational background, with a graduate degree and a
remarkable record of eleven different international standard courses, including specialized
training in "UNESCO Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage" from Japan in 2009.

 His commitment to continuing education demonstrates his dedication to the field. His
possesses a diverse skill set that includes expertise in Calligraphy, Miniature Art, Wood
Carving, Relief Work, Mix Medium Art, Sculptures, and more.

 His versatility in various art forms has enriched the cultural landscape of Rawalpindi and
Punjab.

 He has contributed to the execution and designing of National Museums of Pakistan.

 His extensive qualifications, vast experience, and exceptional contributions to the world of
art and culture make him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious board member
position.
 NIAZI BROTHERS
Folk and Sufi artists

 Javaid Niazi and Babar Nazi are vocalists with deep roots in Pakistani music. They were
born in a family that belonged to a musical background. Where they leamed their art of
music from their father (late) Muhammad Tufail Nazi, a legend in Pakistani folk and
classical music. Muhammad Tufail Niazi was a student of KAPOORTHALLA
GHARANA.

 They have received many national and international awards from Pakistan and abroad.
Muhammad Tufail Niazi, as a folk singer, has also received the best of the best
"Saraswati Award from South India." In 1978, Javaid and Babar Nazi had the honour of
being blessed by an outstanding music legend of Pakistan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan (sb).

 They started their career as music artists in 1981, when they performed alongside their
father in India and received the best performance, KL.Sehgal Award. In India, they also
performed in Bombay, Dehi, Chandi Garh, and had the privilege of performing for H.H.
Maharaja of Patiala, and H.H. Maharaja of Kapoorthalls.

 They have travelled extensively to all parts of globe including United States, Canada,
United Kingdom, Germany, the Middle East, India, China, North Korea, Singapore,
Malaysia, and Australia Norway.

 In 1996, they represented Pakistan in the Spring Festival of Pyongyang, North Korea, and
received a Gold Medal, out of 75 different represented at the festival.

 Javaid and Babar Niazi have also represented Pakistan in Osb, Norway, for a Sufi
musical festival.

 In August 1997, they performed with a fusion band of Australia in Australia.

 In 2001, they performed in Birmingham, England, for a Sufi program in the memory of
Mian Muhammad Bakhash. In 2002, they received the Pakistan Television Award (PTV
award).
 In 2003, they performed in the Smithsonian Festival in Washington D.C (America) and
received many awards.

 In 2004, they received the award of Ustad Nusrat fatal Ali Khan presented by Oriental
Star Agencies (Birmingham U.K).

 In 2004, they also performed in the Gurbani Festival in Delhi (India).

 In 2004, they had the honour to receive the "Kapoorthalla Award."

 In 2005, they received the Bolan Award from the Pakistani film industry.

 In 2006, they received the World Performing Art festival Award in Pakistan.

 In 2007, they had the honour to perform in the Patiala festival in India.

 In 2009, they had the honour to receive the best of the best award "Pride of Performance
from the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

 In 2015, they performed in COKE STUDIO Season 7.

 Anjum Husnain Habibi
Radio Announcer, Actor

 He is dedicated and talented actror with more than 46 years of experience of working in
Radio, television, theater and film.

 He is two time award winner as best actor from PTV and three nominee of Pride of
Performance Award.

 As a theater actor his major work is : Deewane No, Mushran Baig, Beeshare Muhabbat ky
more

 As a TV Actor he played roles in Kaliyan (for 22 years), Jinnah ky Naam, Guest House(for
22 years), Piya ghar ayya, Ahd-e-Wafa and many more

 He played roles in following films: Load wedding, Gum, Heer Ranjha, Silent Water (an
International Project)
 Mr. Hassan Abbas Raza
Famous Poet

 Mr. Hassan Abbas Raza is a known poet of International fame and Drama writer.

 He did his masters in Urdu Literature from Punjab University Lahore.

 He served as a Director Performing Arts at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA)
as a Director from 1982-2013

 He served Pakistan Academy of Letters as a consultant from 2017-2018.

 He also served Overseas Pakistanis Foundation as a consultant.

 He has written many poetry books like; Khawab Azaab Huau, Tawaan, Darya Taman
Shud, Ishq Badosh and Aawaargi men had say guzarjana Chaeay.

 He is a complier and editor of Pakistan ky Behtreen Afsany. Hindustan ky Behtreen

Afsany, Fasadat ky Afsany, Pakistani Writers Directory, Sarapa Nigari, Mery Mehrban,
Mery Chargar, Almariyon main Band Khawb

 He has also travelled with Pakistani Cultural troupes to Unites States and United Kingdom
as a cultural manager.

 Both of his literary and cultural expertise will help the Council in arranging art activities
and literary expos.
 Mr. Muhammad Naseem Malik
(Naseem-e-Sahar)
Famous Poet

 Mr. Naseem-e-Sahar is a retired academic professional with over fifty years of

experience.

 He served as an official reporter in National Assembly (1972).

 He served as an English reporter in Islami Tarakiyati Bank (1980).

 He was retired a Chief English reporter (Govt Employee 2011).

 He is a renowned poet of the region, specialized in Nazm, Ghazal, Naatia Poetry, and
fiction writing.

 He has authored more than three dozen books, showcasing his versatility in various
literary forums.

 Some of his famous works include "Pehli Uran," "Har Bound Samandar," "Dariche-e-
Shab," "Roshandan Ami Chirya," "Jugne, Diyeaur Sitaray," and "Pas Andaz," among
others.

 He was awarded Life time literary achievement Allama Iqbal Gold Medal Award in
2012.
 He received Ahl-e-Kalam Award in 2012.

 He was also awarded with Certificate of Excellence and Nishan-e-Adab Award.

 He visited all over the word for mushairas.

 His innovative ideas for the future of the arts align seamlessly with the goals and
objectives of the Punjab Council of the Arts, suggesting a valuable contribution to the
organization.

Ms Assma Ismail Butt

 Famous Drama Producer/Director

 Asama Butt is famous Writer/Director and producer of the Potohar region. She has been
associated with the field of drama from last thirty years.

 She is the owner of cultural organization Dolphin Communication. The said organization
has organized hundreds of cultural activities in the past two decades.
 She has worked with Embassies, Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy on different cultural
activities.
 Aasma Ismail butt started her career with the drama serial Kal on PTV. From the last two
decades Aasma Ismail butt has been working for the entertainment industry in all the
aspects.
 Aasma Ismail Butt is a specialist in film and television production with extensive experience
in all phases of film and video projects.
 She did 2-years diploma from PNCA (Pakistan National Council of Arts) in Direction,
Lights, & Production.

 Aasma Ismail Butt arranged various plays and events promoting Pakistani culture.

 Events and plays under the federation: Dulla Bhatti (play), Shughal e azam (play), Chinese
New Year festival Serena (Cultural Event), Three days qawaali, Sufi night Murree (Cultural
Event), Chinese Culture Evening Comsats (Event).

 Her selected projects as director/ producer /writer are: Madho Laal Hussain (2010) in India
(2013), Aj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu (2008), Dulla Bhatti (2023), Nakal Makani (2012), Her
Ghari Mera Imtihan (2013), Aaj Ki Cinderella (2004), Malangni Data Di (2005), Dastak
(2005), Pani Pani Ray (2010), Uchiyan majajan waali (2007), Shughal-e-azam (2006,2022),
Teri jaan ki qasam (2012), Fikar not (Feature film)

 She is a Member of national horticulture society since 2008.

 Aasma Butt is a FIRST PAKISTANI WOMAN who is acknowledged as a Stage Director in
the international book International Women Stage Directors. This book featured top
directors/producers from the theatre industry.

 She will be valuable member in planning and holding cultural activities.