Love, Lore, and the Legacy of Sufis Take the Stage at PNCA

News Desk

Islamabad: The timeless magic of Sufi romance returned to the stage as the classic Punjabi folk tale “Saif-ul-Mulook” was theatrically performed at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Friday evening.

Organized in collaboration with Dolphin Communication, the theatrical production served as more than just a performance—it was a cultural tribute to Pakistan’s rich literary and spiritual legacy.

Directed by renowned writer and CEO of Dolphin Communication, Asma Butt, the play brought to life the legendary work of Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. His poetic masterpiece, cherished across generations, resonates with themes of divine love, mysticism, and spiritual awakening.

The audience, which included artists, writers, intellectuals, students, and citizens from all walks of life, was immersed in the mystical journey of Prince Saif and Fairy Badi-ul-Jamal. Through poetic narration, compelling acting, and a deeply evocative soundtrack, the performance unfolded themes central to the region’s folk traditions—love, sacrifice, and spiritual transcendence.

Member of the National Assembly Shazia Farid, who attended the event as chief guest, lauded the production and the creative direction of Asma Butt.

“Bringing Saif-ul-Mulook to the stage is not just storytelling but an act of cultural preservation,” she said. “This play reflects the depth of our folklore and the emotional sensitivity of our artists. I congratulate the entire team for delivering such a mesmerizing performance.”

Distinguished guests included PNCA Program Organizer Dr Waqar Azim, Judge Raheel Yousafzai, Saeen Ejaz, Naveed Kanwal, Naeem Pasha, Shakeel Awan, Abid Abbasi, and others, all of whom praised the meaningful revival of the classic tale.

The cast featured a vibrant ensemble of talented actors from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including Kaleem Khan, Nirmal Ali, Arshad Khan, Shazia Adeeb, Jhalak Ali, Raiha Yousaf, Shama Adil, Afzal Latifi, Raheel Ejaz, Shabbir Shah, Aslam Mughal, Arshad Mehmood, Mehboob Ilyas, Muhammad Ali, Mumtaz Khan, Farooq Jani, and Noor, among others.

A highlight of the evening was Afzal Latifi’s powerful rendition of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s poetry, which resonated deeply with the audience, filling the hall with spiritual ambiance and drawing spontaneous applause.

The production’s strong direction, immersive set design, and traditional music created an emotional and nostalgic experience, celebrating the enduring oral and poetic traditions of Punjab and Kashmir.

“This production was a labor of love, and its success is the result of collective passion and teamwork,” said Ms. Asma Butt in her concluding remarks. “Our aim was not just to entertain, but to reconnect the audience with their roots, their language, and the beauty of their folk heritage.”

The performance concluded to a standing ovation, with the hall echoing with applause and heartfelt tributes. Audience members left the venue visibly moved—entertained, emotionally touched, and spiritually enriched—testifying to the enduring power of Pakistan’s cultural and literary stories.