Anwar Maqsood Calls for Karachi Theatre Revival, Warns Against Fake Social Media Accounts

Pakistan’s celebrated playwright, satirist, and cultural icon Anwar Maqsood has reignited the conversation around the dire state of performing arts infrastructure in Karachi, urging the Sindh government to establish theatres in every neighbourhood to nurture the city’s abundant talent. Speaking at a cultural event in Karachi, Maqsood also raised concerns about digital impersonation, revealing that 16 fake social media accounts are operating under his name, misleading the public.

“Karachi is a goldmine of talent,” Maqsood declared, emphasizing that the city has consistently produced luminaries in literature, theatre, and television. However, he lamented the lack of dedicated spaces for live performances, which he believes is stifling creativity and eroding Pakistan’s once-vibrant theatre culture. “I’ve repeatedly asked the Sindh government to build theatres in every neighbourhood. Accessible venues would allow local artists to flourish and bring back the golden era of Karachi’s stage,” he said. Maqsood pointed to the Arts Council of Pakistan, where he has long been involved, as a rare hub for performances, but stressed that a single venue cannot serve a metropolis of over 20 million.

The absence of theatres has forced many aspiring artists to rely on makeshift venues or abandon their craft altogether, a reality Maqsood finds unacceptable. He cited the decline of iconic theatre groups like Tehrik-e-Niswan and Ajoka Theatre, which once thrived in Karachi but now struggle due to limited infrastructure. “Talent needs a stage, not excuses,” he quipped, drawing applause from the audience. Social media on X echoed his sentiments, with one user posting, “Anwar Maqsood is right—Karachi deserves theatres in every corner to showcase its creative soul.”

In a separate but equally pressing concern, Maqsood alerted the public to 16 fraudulent social media accounts impersonating him across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. “These accounts are not mine or managed by anyone I know. They’re misleading people with false content,” he warned, urging fans to verify account authenticity before engaging or sharing posts. The revelation sparked outrage online, with users calling for stricter cybercrime measures. One X post read, “16 fake accounts targeting Anwar Maqsood? Cyber authorities need to act fast!”

Maqsood’s comments come at a time when Karachi’s cultural scene is grappling with challenges, including funding cuts and urban sprawl that prioritizes commercial projects over cultural spaces. According to a 2024 report by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, only 12% of Karachi’s public spaces are dedicated to cultural activities, compared to 30% in Lahore. The Sindh government’s 2023 promise to build a state-of-the-art theatre in Korangi remains unfulfilled, fueling skepticism about its commitment to the arts.

Analysts suggest Maqsood’s advocacy could pressure authorities to act, given his influence as a cultural figure whose works, like Pawnay 14 August and Sawa 14 August, have shaped Pakistan’s artistic identity. However, critics argue that systemic issues, such as bureaucratic delays and corruption, may hinder progress. “The government loves photo-ops with artists but drags its feet on infrastructure,” noted a Karachi-based theatre director on X.

As Karachi’s artists rally behind Maqsood’s call, the spotlight is on the Sindh government to deliver. Whether his plea will spark a theatre renaissance or fade into the city’s cacophony remains to be seen, but Maqsood’s words have undoubtedly stirred a longing for a culturally vibrant Karachi.