LAHORE: Several performances on Sufi music by young artists enthralled the audience through their fabulous performances in the jammed-packed hall of Alhamra on Wednesday. The event called Sufi Night was organised by Hubullah Welfare Society (HWS) in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council (LAC) in order to entertain Sufi music lovers and sensitise with the message of Sufism. The event was held at Alhamra’s Hall 1. ‘Sufism can counter terrorism, as we need to promote the message of Sufism if we really want to eradicate extremism, from our country. It is the true spirit of Islam, which only asks to respect humanity and love human beings irrespective of caste, gender, sects and religion’ Additional Secretary Information & Culture Saman Rai, LAC Executive Director Captain (r) Atta Muhammad Khan, Shakir Ali Museum Director Amna Pataudi, HWS President Ehsanur Rehman and their office bearers and large number of families also attended the event. Speakers said that there was a dire need to promote the message of peace, love and humanity. “Sufism can counter terrorism, as we need to promote the message of Sufism if we really want to eradicate extremism, terrorism and terrorists from our country. It is the true spirit of Islam, which only asks to respect humanity and love human beings irrespective of caste, gender, sects and religion,” it was discussed. Artistes who enthralled the spellbound audience played around 10-12 performances. A young artist Aitzaz Gul gave two performances on ‘Yaar Dadhi Ishq Aatish Laee Hai’ and ‘Dama Dam Mast Kalandar’, while Ghulam Abbas performed on ‘Kya Haal Sunawan?’ On the occasion, performers who enthralled the spellbound audience played around 10-12 performances. A young artist Aitzaz Gul gave two performances on “Yaar Dadhi Ishq Aatish Laee Hai” and “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar”, while Ghulam Abbas performed on “Kya Haal Sunawan?” Emaan Fatima performed on “Allah Hu Allah Hu”, Abdul Rauf on “Shama Pe Gaiyan”, whereas Sajjad Hussain Tafu Khan and Maham Suhail also performed along with their accompanists. Moreover, Sufi instrumental band Teen Taal performed “Gharroli” by Vicky Hussain, Zaigham Abbas, Sohaib Sheikh, Syed Fawad Ali, John Peter and Michael Ghouri. Alhamra Unplugged artists included Qasim Yousaf, Rehan Hashmi, Rassab Aamir, Moeen Khan, Stephan Aashiq, Mumtaz Hussan Tafu, Waqas Arshad and Haroon Daniel also performed on several Sufi songs. Backing vocalists included Sheeza Khan, Areeba Nadeem, Ahmed Ijaz and others. Published in Daily Times, December 5th 2017.