By Tariq Khan & Kainat Rajput
Houston, August 24, 2025 – To commemorate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the Pakistan Association of Greater Houston (PAGH) staged a powerful and deeply patriotic production, Sohni Dharti, at the Stafford Civic Center.
Written by renowned stage drama director Masood Ahmad, produced by Shahid Iqbal, and directed by Umar Farooq, the play offered a sweeping narrative that traced Pakistan’s journey from its creation in 1947 to its challenges and triumphs today. With a talented cast of local actors, Sohni Dharti was more than a cultural performance — it was a living history lesson designed to educate, inspire, and strengthen ties within Houston’s vibrant Pakistani-American community of Greater Houston and all that happened in the dynamic leadership role of President PAAGH Siraj Narsi & his entire executive board unconditional support and trust with President.
Revisiting the Pakistan Movement
At the heart of Sohni Dharti was the story of Pakistan’s formation — the dream of a homeland where Muslims of the subcontinent could live with dignity, practice their faith freely, and pursue progress without fear.
Through carefully crafted dialogues, the play revisited the struggles of the Pakistan Movement, the sacrifices of ordinary families, and the towering leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It reminded the audience that Pakistan was not born overnight, but through years of vision, negotiation, and sacrifice.
As one line, borrowed from a Substack commentary on the play, echoed:
“The birth of our nation was not just about borders on a map—it was about the audacity of people bound by a dream for freedom.”
This sentiment set the tone for the production, which moved seamlessly from historical reflection to contemporary challenges.
Distinguished Guests
The event carried prestige thanks to the presence of M. Aftab Chaudhry, Consul General of Pakistan in Houston, who addressed the audience, praising PAGH for organizing such a meaningful production. “Events like these keep our history alive and inspire our future generations,” he remarked.
Consul General of Pakistan in Houston, M. Aftab Chaudhry, joins the celebration.
Adding further charm, Islah Uddin Siddiqui, former Pakistan Hockey Team Captain, was invited to draw one of the Turkish Airlines raffle tickets — a nostalgic moment that delighted fans of Pakistan’s golden hockey era.
Former Pakistan Hockey Team Captain Islah Uddin Siddiqui draws a Turkish Airlines raffle ticket.
Blending History with Modern Relevance
Masood Ahmad’s script did not stop at 1947. Instead, it threaded Pakistan’s early struggles with modern-day challenges, making history relevant to both elders and youth in the audience.
Key themes included:
⦁ The Indus Water Treaty, exploring how resources remain at the core of regional politics.
⦁ The Kashmir dispute, underscoring its enduring importance to Pakistan’s national identity.
⦁ Resilience in the face of adversity, with a moving nod to Hurricane Harvey (2017), when Houston’s Pakistani diaspora rallied to support each other.
⦁ The Marka-e-Haque and even a reference to India’s Rafael fighter jets, introduced with a light touch, showing how patriotism can carry both seriousness and humor.
By weaving in these elements, the play underscored that Pakistan’s story is not frozen in history books, but continues to evolve every day.
The Cast: Local Talent, National Pride
The ensemble cast delivered heartfelt performances that drew standing ovations:
⦁ Kiran Hamza as Samina
⦁ Irfan Khawaja as Farrukh
⦁ Adnan Hadi as Raheem
⦁ Fiza Farooq as Rukhsana
⦁ Umar Farooq as Jaswant
⦁ Kamran Makhdoom as Dada Jee
⦁ Daniyal Bahalim as Shazim
Each actor brought depth to their role, ensuring the audience not only understood the history but felt the emotions of those who lived it. Under the sharp direction of Khurram Hamid, with Shahid Iqbal steering production and Asad Ali assisting, the play’s execution was seamless and powerful.
Special Features of the Event
PAGH ensured that Sohni Dharti was a true community event, accessible to all. Entry was free for students, seniors, artists, creative professionals, and Uber/Lyft drivers, ensuring inclusivity.
Adding to the excitement was a raffle sponsored by Turkish Airlines, with the grand prize of a free round-trip ticket to Pakistan. This thoughtful gesture connected the diaspora not only emotionally but also physically with their homeland.
The evening also featured patriotic songs, community networking, and an atmosphere filled with green-and-white pride.
Winner receives Turkish Airlines ticket in the exciting raffle drawing.
Supporters and Community Involvement
The production drew support from across the Pakistani community in Houston:
⦁ The Pakistan Association of Greater Houston (PAGH), which continues to be a cultural backbone for the diaspora.
⦁ Mr. and Mrs. Shahid Hashmi, key patrons of community initiatives.
⦁ Turkish Airlines, serving as the official travel sponsor.
⦁ Faheem Akhond, a supporter of arts and culture.
⦁ Pakistani media outlets and social platforms that helped amplify the event.
⦁ The wider Pakistani-American community of Houston, whose presence and applause made the event a true celebration of heritage.
Audience Reaction: Applause and Emotion
The Stafford Civic Center was packed with families, students, professionals, and elders. As scenes unfolded — from Jinnah’s dream to the Kashmir crisis, from Harvey’s destruction to Pakistan’s resilience — the audience was visibly moved. Many wiped away tears, while others cheered proudly during the patriotic dialogues.
One attendee commented:
“Telling Pakistan’s story on stage is no small feat. Tonight, the team achieved it beautifully — educating us while making us proud. They deserve a big round of applause.”
Community press like Pulse News praised the play as “educational, entertaining, and deeply patriotic,” while social media posts captured the energy of the crowd and the pride of the diaspora.
Why It Matters: Beyond Entertainment
Sohni Dharti was more than just a play — it was an act of cultural preservation. For younger Pakistani-Americans, many of whom only know independence history from textbooks, the play served as an immersive, emotional lesson. For elders, it was a reminder of their roots and sacrifices.
By staging Pakistan’s story with authenticity and creativity, PAGH ensured that the spirit of independence remains alive, even thousands of miles away from Lahore and Karachi.
A Legacy of Pride
The success of Sohni Dharti demonstrated that storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for unity and education. It connected history to modern life, honored Pakistan’s sacrifices, and gave Houston’s diaspora a reason to celebrate their identity with renewed pride.
For the Pakistani community in Houston, this event was not just about 1947 — it was about 2025 and beyond. It was about carrying forward a legacy of resilience, patriotism, and unity.
As the curtain closed and the cast gathered on stage to a standing ovation, one thing was clear: Sohni Dharti was not only a play. It was a tribute, a celebration, and a cultural milestone.
✨ With its blend of history, humor, and heart, Sohni Dharti will be remembered as one of PAGH’s most successful Independence Day celebrations — a shining reminder that Pakistan’s story lives on wherever its people are.
