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Qawwali is a deeply structured musical form that has been celebrated for centuries. It serves as a powerful medium for spiritual expression and communal connection, transcending cultural boundaries.
Qawwali nights are known for their vibrant atmosphere, where attendees can enjoy the rich tradition of Qawwali music, often accompanied by instruments like the harmonium, tabla and dholak. They are often held for private functions, cultural or corporate events.
Recently, the Friends of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, Karachi Chapter, organised a soulful Qawwali Night by Basit Ali Ghori, held at a local hotel. It was a fundraiser for the completion of the Surgical and Oncology Wards at the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital - Pakistan’s first dedicated breast cancer facility, located in Lahore.
Basit Ali Ghori is a Pakistani singer known for his melodious voice within the local music scene, particularly in Karachi. He has been noted for his versatility in various music genres, in addition to classical Qawwali. Basit Ali also performed in ‘Coke Studio Season 9’ with Damia Farooq on the song ‘Anokha Laadla’.
At the event, the audience were anticipated a mesmerising Qawwali performance by Basit Ali and his group and they were not disappointed at all. In fact, it was highly entertaining. The stage came alive as the qawwals began their performance. Their melodious voices, accompanied by the harmonious beats of the tabla and harmonium, enchanted the audience. The songs they chose were a perfect blend of classical Sufi poetry and modern renditions, which appealed to the audience.
Basit Ali and his group sang some popular songs and qawwalis such as ‘Ali Maula’, ‘Tajdar-e-Haram’, ‘Salu Allah-e-Wa Allahi’, ‘Bhar De Jholi’ and ‘Halka Halka Saroor Hai’, which were greatly appreciated by the audience. The mesmerising lights and visuals enhanced the atmosphere, making it both modern and nostalgic.
However, beyond the music, the event held a deeper significance. It was organised for a specific cause - to support the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital. The 7th Annual Fundraiser received overwhelming support from corporate sponsors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs across Karachi. Numerous fashion designers, jewellers, bakers, restaurants, salons, spas, gyms and yoga studios also generously contributed through donations and prizes for the Mega Raffle Draw.
Founded in 2004 by social activist Omer Aftab, Pink Ribbon Pakistan is a national movement promoting breast cancer awareness, early detection and affordable treatment.
“The Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Hospital in Lahore is 99 per cent complete and already provides free consultations, clinical examinations, 3D mammography, shear-wave Doppler ultrasound screening, biopsies and BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing. Once fully functional, it will serve over 40,000 underprivileged women each year, offering comprehensive, free-of-cost care from diagnosis to treatment - chemotherapy, radiation and surgery all under one roof,” shared Omer Aftab, who was present at the occasion. “Early diagnosis can save countless lives. With timely screening, the chances of successful treatment exceed 90 per cent. Our mission is to ensure that every woman has access to awareness, diagnosis and care,” he affirmed.
All proceeds from the Qawwali will directly fund the completion of the hospital’s surgical and oncology wards,” said a spokesperson for the Friends of Pink Ribbon Karachi Chapter. “Each contribution brings us closer to offering hope, healing and dignity to thousands of women battling breast cancer,” the spokesperson added.
The Friends of Pink Ribbon Karachi Chapter is a volunteer-led initiative that has organised annual fundraising events since 2018 to support Pink Ribbon Pakistan’s mission. The chapter works to spread breast cancer awareness and bring together Karachi’s business community and philanthropists to advance breast cancer prevention, awareness and treatment.
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