On 16 June 2026, Shehri – Citizens for a Better Environment (Shehri-CBE) organized an educational exposure visit to the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, for students from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Karachi. The visit was conducted under Component 2: Voices of Democracy – A Civic Media Fellowship, part of the broader Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship initiative, with the objective of providing students with hands-on exposure to Pakistan’s leading cultural institution and its contribution to civic engagement, creative expression, and community development.
During the visit, participants explored the Arts Council’s academic departments, including theatre, music, dance, fine arts, graphic design, and textile design. Students gained valuable insights into the institution’s history, educational programmes, and its role in nurturing artistic talent while promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage. They also interacted with faculty members and creative professionals to better understand the learning environment, career opportunities, and the importance of arts and media in shaping informed and engaged communities.
A key highlight of the exposure visit was an interactive session with Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. Students participated in an engaging question-and-answer session, where they discussed the role of cultural institutions in strengthening democratic values, encouraging youth participation, supporting creative industries, and promoting social inclusion through the arts.
The exposure visit reinforced the importance of experiential learning by connecting classroom knowledge with real-world civic and cultural institutions. Through direct engagement with artists, educators, and cultural leaders, participants developed a deeper appreciation of how creativity, media, and public engagement contribute to inclusive societies and active citizenship.
As part of the Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship programme, the visit reflected Shehri-CBE’s continued commitment to fostering youth leadership, civic awareness, media literacy, and community participation. By exposing students to innovative cultural practices and civic institutions, the initiative empowered future media professionals to use storytelling, creativity, and public dialogue as tools for positive social change in Pakistan.
