Performances at GIKI festival win applause

SWABI, April 25: Keeping its tradition alive, the Cultural, Dramatics and Entertainment Society (CDES) of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Science and Technology organised a three-day arts festival, which concluded here on Monday. Osama Qazi, a theatre director, judged the performances and gave away prizes and shields to young performers and comedians on the final day of festival. Besides several other dramas, a GIKI production "The Great Al-Houdini" dazzled the crowd with the use of innovative effects and mesmerising gimmicks on stage backed by strong performances. A CDES member said that their main purpose was to motivate the youngsters. "We tried to convey to the youth not to remain idle, as there are numerous ways to express themselves. Also, the festival provided an opportunity to the participants to share some light moments," he said. Both participants and actors said that it was the love for drama that brought them together. "We are proud of this culture and the government should support such festivals," said one of the performers. BOOST FOR PML-N: Sajjad Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa senior vice president of PML-Q, will quit his party and join PML-N on Tuesday (today) during a press conference of former chief minister Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, PML-N activists told this correspondent on Monday. Mr Sajjad was one of the strong supporters of Amir Muqam, PML-Q provincial president, and contested 2008 elections from PF-35, Swabi-5, on PML-Q ticket but could not win. "Mr Sajjad will formally join our party at a press conference here at Rahatabad, which will be addressed by Sardar Mehtab and provincial and district leaders," said Liaquat Ahmad and other local PML-N leaders. They said that Mr Sajjad's joining of the PML-N would be a boost for the party and in future he would also be awarded PF-35 ticket for contesting election. —Correspondent