LAHORE: The first edition of the Leo Style Awards 2017 was held in Lahore on Saturday at Faletti’s Hotel, where the who’s who of the Pakistani film, stage, music and media industry was in attendance to lend their full support to the platform. The main aim of the event by the efforts of Leo Productions was to highlight a softer and a joyful image of Pakistan, where the audience could let their hair down and feel easy and relaxed in a country at risk of chaos and terrorism. “We aim to defeat terrorism and extremism through cultural events like these. Insha Allah, there will be many more of such events,” Leo Productions CEO Dolly said, while talking exclusively to Daily Times. Information & Culture Minister Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan who is also Punjab government spokesperson graced the event as chief guest. Daily Times Managing Director Kazam Khan was also one of the main chief guests at the event. “We believe Karachi has taken a central role in uplifting entertainment-related and cultural events and have somehow built its image as being the main cultural city of Pakistan. That is not the case. Lahore, with all its beauty and rich cultural heritage, has a lot to offer when it comes to arts, fashion, lifestyle, culture and entertainment. Slowly and gradually, we will rebuild Lahore’s image like that, through frequent events like these,” Dolly said. Celebrities from the stage and music industry as well as Pakistani film stars along with the entire media came together under one roof to honour the industry. The event proved to be a breath of fresh air, where lawn and Eid exhibitions have taken centre stage and entertainment industry is hardly taken notice of. Noor Bukhari, Madiha Shah, Sana Fakhar, Shahida Mini, Babrik Shah, Humera Arshad, Rafaqat Ali, Zafri Khan, Zoya Ali Nizami and Rovina were some of the stars present at the event, who also mesmerised the audience with their energetic and enthusiastic dance and singing performances. Saima Jahan, Shabnam Majeed, Deedaar and Megha also participated in full with their dance and singing performances. Stage actress and singer Deedaar was performing for the first time in three years since tying the knot and being away from the limelight. Jewellery and fashion designers were handed out awards for their exceptional work in the industry other than the film and music stars who were also honoured for their work. A Plus was the media partner of the event. The Information & Cultural Minister vowed that he himself will support events like these in the future to encourage aspiring artists.