In the heart of Islamabad, where the urban hum usually drowns out the whispers of the north, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) recently offered a profound sensory detour. The event, titled Liqa-e-Ishq: Mystical Musical Colors of Karakoram, was far more than a standard folk concert; it was a carefully curated bridge between the academic and the ecstatic.
Jointly organized with the Burushaski Research Academy and Shan-e-Tajalli, the evening transformed the PNCA auditorium into a sanctuary for the intangible heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza, and Chitral.
Echoes of a Polymath
The spiritual spine of the evening was the poetic legacy of Allama Nasir-ud-Din Nasir Hunzai, the renowned Sufi scholar and “Baba-e-Burushaski.” His verses, exploring themes of divine love (Ishq), wisdom, and the interconnectedness of humanity, provided the lyrical foundation for the performances. By grounding the music in scholarly research, the organizers moved the dialogue away from mere entertainment and toward a living archive of the Karakoram’s soul.
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A Soundscape of Unity
The performance was a masterclass in regional fusion. While the spotlight remained on the high-altitude sounds of the north, the narrative thoughtfully wove in the musical textures of Sindh and Balochistan, creating a singular, harmonious tapestry of Pakistani identity.
The melancholic, woody resonance of the rubab served as the evening’s heartbeat, accompanied by the rhythmic pulse of the daff and the ethereal strains of the flute.
A diverse lineup of national and international artists, including Salman Adil, Sitara Jahan, and Khurram Latifi, moved seamlessly between classical, semi-classical, and indigenous folk genres.
The performances oscillated between meditative stillness and spiritual ecstasy, capturing the duality of the mountain landscape, at once serene and overwhelmingly powerful.
Cultural Diplomacy
Beyond the stage, Liqa-e-Ishq served a vital civic purpose. With distinguished guests like Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar in attendance, the event underscored art’s role in fostering national unity. By celebrating the distinct sounds of the Karakoram, the PNCA reinforced a critical message: that Pakistan’s strength lies not in uniformity, but in the vibrant, mystical notes of its diverse cultural identity.
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