he cultural troupe of the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) captivated a packed audience at the National Academy of Performing Arts’ (NAPA) Zia Mohyeddin Theater, this past Thursday evening. The program, titled ‘Renewing Glory,’ showcased a vibrant tapestry of Pakistan’s classical and folk traditions.

A bustling red carpet event preceded the performances, welcoming dignitaries and celebrities. Former senator and NAPA board member Javed Jabbar delivered a warm welcome address stating, “NAPA is committed to preserving the performing arts in every form, and bringing the WCLA troupe to Karachi is a testament to that.” He then introduced the program for the evening.

Following Mr. Jabbar’s address, WCLA Director-General Kamran Lashari presented a captivating presentation on the organization’s efforts to restore the Walled City of Lahore. NAPA chairman Syed Jawaid Iqbal then presented Mr. Lashari with a commemorative memento from NAPA.

After a brief intermission, the stage came alive with captivating performances. The evening began with a riveting kathak performance by the father-daughter duo, Zikria and Jessica Iqbal. The audience was then enthralled by Raja Mughal’s breathtaking bharat natyam piece.

The program continued with a lively showcase of folk songs, storytelling, and dances by Fazal Jutt and his group. The grand finale featured the renowned Saain Abbas and his ensemble of dhol and shunk players, leaving the audience in a standing ovation. The energy in the hall remained high throughout the show, with the audience thoroughly enjoying the diverse and captivating performances. The evening concluded with a delightful dinner for both the audience and the performers.