Mehfil, a live music platform co-founded by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, is set to return with a three-city tour this month, reviving its mission of celebrating Pakistan’s rich musical heritage.
The upcoming tour will kick off on May 8 in Karachi, going to Islamabad on May 16, and then to Lahore on May 23, bringing together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds in a renewed celebration of Pakistan’s musical identity.
Originally launched in Lahore, the platform focuses on showcasing traditional and contemporary fusion performances in intimate settings. It highlights diverse musical traditions, including contributions from young talent associated with a Hunza-based orchestra, blending instruments such as the Dadang, Sitar, and Xhiggini.
Previous editions of Mehfil contributed to reviving iconic collaborations and revisiting nostalgic hits such as Laaree Chootee and Pi Jaun. The tour aims to bring back that same spirit, with performances by the Leif Larsen Music Centre (LLMC), Farhan Saeed, and the Call. The LLMC was established in Hunza by the Aga Khan Music Programme (AKMP) in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy. Its purpose is to preserve the musical traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral while nurturing both indigenous and contemporary forms of music.
According to the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan CEO Tausif Khawaja, the Mehfil initiative aligns with the broader mission of the Aga Khan Trust to conserve and promote cultural heritage while presenting its richness and diversity to wider audiences.
Khawaja stated, “Building on this vision, the Leif Larsen Music Centre was founded to conserve the indigenous mountain music of Pakistan and nurture young talent from Gilgit-Balistan and Chitral.” He added, “We hope to bring the rich cultural legacy of this remarkable region to audiences across Pakistan.”