Reviving Theatre in Punjab: Maryam Nawaz's Mission
Mian Nadeem | September 11, 2026
Families' enthusiastic participation in Alhamra theatre plays testifies to the public's love for theatre. Punjab Information and Culture Minister Uzma Bukhari met with Ben Warrington, the Head of the British High Commission in Lahore, to discuss fostering cultural activities, reviving theatre, ensuring a safe Basant festival, and strengthening ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Present at the meeting were Punjab Information Secretary Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani and British High Commission Senior Political Adviser Owais Shah.
Ben Warrington praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's cultural initiatives, particularly the successful organisation of a safe Basant festival in Punjab. He noted that meaningful steps are being taken to revive cultural festivals and expressed his personal interest in learning about Punjab's rich heritage.
Warrington commended the renovation project at the Alhamra Arts Council, expressing excitement for Basant 2027 in Punjab, praising Lahore's celebration of Basant last year.
Uzma Bukhari emphasised that reviving theatre in Punjab is a mission for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She stated that family theatre is being rekindled and that restoring theatre and eliminating obscenity are among the government's top priorities. She highlighted successful stage plays at Alhamra as a step towards revival, citing the large family attendance at these plays as evidence of their popularity.
The minister expressed her desire to further strengthen cultural ties between Pakistan and the UK, inviting Ben Warrington to attend the Culture Festival. A commemorative gift was exchanged at the conclusion of the meeting.