British-Pakistani opera star Saira Peter delivered a uniquely spectacular Operatic performance of Dhamal at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad, leaving the audience spellbound. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi also joined in the celebration and was seen enjoying the performance.
A prestigious ceremony was organised at the PNCA Auditorium in honour of internationally acclaimed opera singer Saira Peter. Officials from various countries, distinguished cultural personalities and a large number of music enthusiasts attended the special evening, adding to the grandeur of the event.
The “Opera & Sufi — Live Concert” was organised by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), National Heritage & Culture Division, as part of celebrations of Saira Peter’s selection for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz 2026 award.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi was the chief guest. Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayub Jamali, and former Federal Minister Syed Jamal Shah were also present.
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Internationally acclaimed British-Pakistani opera singer Saira Peter, widely recognised as Pakistan’s first opera singer and the world’s first Sufi Opera singer, mesmerised the audience with her powerful voice and distinctive style of singing. She presented a captivating fusion of Western opera and Sufi music, highlighting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, musical diversity and artistic excellence.
Saira Peter’s performance, particularly her dazzling Operatic Dhamal, received tremendous appreciation from the audience. Her presentation beautifully showcased the harmony between Eastern and Western musical traditions while reflecting the depth and diversity of Pakistani culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that the event reflected PNCA’s commitment to promoting the performing arts and cultural activities in the country, celebrating cultural diversity and providing Pakistani artists with meaningful platforms to showcase their talent.
He also congratulated Saira Peter on her selection for the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
A showreel highlighting Saira Peter’s international performances was also screened during the concert and became one of the major attractions of the evening.
Speaking at the event, Saira Peter expressed her gratitude to Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, former Federal Minister Jamal Shah and PNCA Director General Ayub Jamali for their support.
She thanked the Government of Pakistan for selecting her for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and said:
“I am grateful to the Government of Pakistan for selecting me for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. I live in London, but my heart beats in Pakistan because I was born on this very soil.”
