A film festival was organized by the Department of Psychology, University of Karachi. The chief guest at the event was Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Iraqi. The program was organized under the leadership of Professor Dr. Anila Amber, with Dr. Ambreen and Mr. Artaza Siddiq serving as co-organizers.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi presented shields to Dr. Umair Haroon, Director of Voice of Sindh, and Pakistan People’s Party leader Mr. Tauqeer Ahmed. Other shield recipients included Voice of Sindh’s Deputy Project Director Danyal Jilani and Kamran Javed.
In his address, Dr. Khalid Iraqi said that such programs highlight the deprivations and challenges faced by our society. He commended the portrayal of domestic and social issues through films, stating that students from various departments of the University of Karachi created and presented their films before a jury. This, he said, not only shed light on pressing societal concerns but also encouraged the creative abilities of young minds.
He further remarked, “It is a fact that human beings are social animals, and the greatest form of suffering inflicted on a person is not physical, but psychological.” He highlighted that, according to a recent World Health Organization report, 970 million people around the globe suffer from mental and psychological issues, with women comprising 52.4% and men 47.6% of those affected.
Dr. Umair Haroon served as the Chief of the Jury for this film festival. In his concluding address, he stated that there are two forms of art: Art for a cause and Art for the sake of art — the latter being the one he personally cherishes and supports.
He further emphasized that the true identity of a city lies not in its buildings, landmarks, or geography, but in the people who reside in it. With pride, he added, “I live in the city of Dr. Adeeb Rizvi, Abdul Sattar Edhi, and Professor Anila Amber,” appreciating her remarkable contributions to society.
The event concluded with Prof Dr. Anila Amber, Dr. Umair Haroon, Tauqeer Ahmed, and Daniyal Jelani distributing awards and certificates to the winners of the film competition.
