KMC fails to organise Sadeqain Awards

The Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) has failed to organise the Sadeqain Awards for the past four years, depriving young artists of the country of a chance to show their skills at a big stage.

The Sadeqain Awards are considered one of the most significant ones, which brought young painters and calligraphers into the mainstream of fine arts. The participants got pride when their paintings were nominated for the awards.

So far 16 Sadeqain Awards have been held in the city by the KMC administration. Handsome amounts used to be given to young and emerging painters and calligraphers. 

In 2013, when the Sadeqain Awards were last organised, a total of 300 paintings and calligraphic art samples from across the country were judged.

Karachi got recognition for hosting the event in the name of legendary Sadeqain, the greatest painter Pakistan has ever produced. But due to lethargic attitude of officials, the KMC has failed to organise the event for years. 

The director culture of the KMC, when contacted, admitted that due to various reasons, Sadeqain Awards had not been held regularly.

“We are working hard to organise the Sadeqain Awards this year in collaboration with Sadeqain International Foundation,” he said.

He said that when preparations for the ceremony were finalised, the final date for the awards would be announced. He said he expected the ceremony to be held in two months.