By our correspondent
KARACHI: Shaan-e-Pakistan, the initiative founded by Huma Haji Zakar Pardesi, hosted its annual Lamyaati Sahoor night earlier today, bringing together prominent figures from across the cultural and business community.
This year’s program focused on inclusion, talent and unity, drawing a large gathering that included Jimmy Engineer, Ishtiaq Baig, Ikhtiar Baig, Ahmed Chinoy, Faisal Mehmood, Jawed Iqbal, Faizan Haqee, Mohammed Azmat, Asifa Ataka, Nadia Hussain, Seemi Pasha, Angie Marshal, Raheel Haroon and Nazia Malik.
The evening opened with a busy red carpet reception before guests gathered for the Lamyaati segment, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the night. Shanaz Ramzi delivered the welcome address, outlining the work of Shaan-e-Pakistan and highlighting the progress of the SEP Academy for the Visually Impaired.
She noted that the academy had recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Ida Rieu Welfare Association to expand opportunities for visually impaired students. “Today we are celebrating inclusivity,” she said. “The evening highlights the extraordinary abilities of visually impaired students and marks an important step towards sustained empowerment.”
Ramzi also spoke about the vision behind the academy and the efforts led by Pardesi to promote a more inclusive society. She said visually impaired students were being given opportunities to perform live on stage and demonstrate their abilities, whether in singing or modelling.
“The SEP Academy is planning a fashion event on 9 May,” she added. “For the first time, blind students will be integrated into the creative showcase. You are most welcome to support this cause in any way you choose. Let us make a shared commitment to creating platforms that promote and uplift talented individuals from all walks of life.”
The program continued with musical performances and a late-night Sehri, keeping guests engaged into the early hours of the morning. Pardesi later delivered the vote of thanks, reiterating her commitment to supporting visually impaired students through training and public platforms.
“Today highlights our resolve to promote the visually challenged,” she said. “At our academy, classes are already under way to teach them music. The fashion show will be the next step, but I have even bigger plans for them as part of my ongoing commitment to inclusion.”
The initiative reflects a broader vision that moves beyond charity towards empowerment, visibility and meaningful integration. By creating platforms that celebrate talent regardless of physical limitations, Shaan-e-Pakistan and the SEP Academy aim to foster a more inclusive cultural space.
