Amid disarray and mayhem, the grand musical concert organised by the Sindh government to mark Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq went off late Friday night in Hyderabad. Tens of thousands of citizens had thronged Rani Bagh, the city’s largest yet underdeveloped recreational venue, hoping to enjoy captivating performances by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sanam Marvi, and other renowned artists.
Distant parking areas forced many to walk over a kilometre to reach the venue, yet spirits remained high – until rowdy crowds breached the enclosures designated for families. The bamboo fences separating these zones were broken down by groups of young men, resulting in altercations and incidents of harassment, including attacks on media workers.
“We came here expecting a splendiferous night of music and enjoyment, but what we encountered was a wild crowd poised to misbehave with women,” said Irfan Kazi, a resident of Qasimabad. He described how the mob, allegedly allowed free entry, tried to force their way toward the stage, shoving aside those already there.
“It is one of the worst events,” a young woman complained. “Women are being insulted, and their dupattas and scarves are being pulled down.”
The event was organised by the Sindh Government in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. In the lead-up to the concert, officials from the district administration, the police, Mayor Kashir Ali Shoro, and the council’s president Muhammad Ahmed Shah made multiple visits to inspect the arrangements.
Police later stated that crowd management inside the venue had been delegated to council-appointed volunteers. However, many attendees expressed dismay, expecting police to maintain control during such a large public event.
The Hyderabad concert was one of three such events organised by the provincial government in collaboration with the Arts Council, with others held in Sukkur and Karachi.
By the time Rahat Fateh Ali Khan took the stage around 11pm, many families had already begun leaving the venue in frustration and concern. The event reportedly cost the government around Rs50 million.
Despite the chaos, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon issued a statement on Saturday congratulating the organisers on a “successful” event.
Speaking at the concert, Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah congratulated the nation on its 78th Independence Day and thanked the council and its president for making the event possible. Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, an MPA from Hyderabad, also addressed the crowd.
