By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: As part of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), operating under the National Heritage and Culture Division, has unveiled a comprehensive series of youth-centered cultural competitions.
These events aim to encourage creativity, promote patriotism, and engage students in meaningful artistic expressions of national pride.
With multiple competitions scheduled to take place in August, the initiative brings together students from schools, colleges, and universities across the country through art, drama, music and poster-making.
One of the major highlights is the National Youth Art Exhibition and Competition 2025, inviting students aged 16 to 25 from colleges and universities in Pakistan. Participants are asked to submit original artworks based on the theme “Bunyanum Marsoos – Marka-e-Haq,” which pays tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of Pakistan’s armed forces.
All painting mediums are accepted, including acrylic, watercolor, drawing, digital art, and mixed media. The minimum artwork size is A3 and mounting is not mandatory. Each participant may submit only one artwork, which must be accompanied by a short description explaining the idea or inspiration behind it.
The last date for submission is August 05, 2025. The winning entries will be retained by PNCA for future exhibition and promotion.
The cash prizes include Rs. 40,000 for first place, Rs. 30,000 for second place, Rs. 20,000 for third place, and Rs. 5,000 for five honorable mentions. All participants will receive certificates. Students can register and submit their entries through the link https://forms.gle/H7FyjnpiBxdBiYYm9.
PNCA is also organizing a drama competition for boys’ colleges in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This event invites group participation and focuses on dramatic performances themed around Independence Day.
The competition will be held on August 13 at the PNCA Auditorium. Students must be nominated by their colleges, and the last date for registration is August 10.
As per guidelines, scripts should be submitted in PDF format via WhatsApp to 0334-5252508. Shields will be awarded to the top three winning teams, and certificates will be issued to all participants.
The college administrations are strongly encouraged to promote their students’ involvement in this event.
Another significant feature of the celebrations is the Folk Singing and Milli Naghma Competition for girls from Grade VI to Grade X. This competition aims to promote Pakistan’s musical heritage and national spirit through traditional and patriotic songs.
It will take place on August 12 at 9:30 AM at the PNCA Auditorium for which the registration deadline is August 10.
The top three winners will receive shields, and all participating students will be awarded certificates. Schools and colleges may register their students by contacting PNCA through WhatsApp at 0334-5252508.
Additionally, PNCA has launched a National Drawing and Poster-Making Competition under the theme “Marka-e-Haq,” encouraging students to visually explore themes of truth, justice, integrity, and national values.
The competition is divided into two categories: Group 1 for students of Grade VIII to X, and Group 2 for college students from 1st to 4th year.
The participants can submit physical entries to PNCA Islamabad or share digital versions along with a video of the artwork’s creation process via Google Drive or WeTransfer, sent through WhatsApp to 0334-5252508.
The registration deadline is August 10 while the final date for artwork submission is August 12. The winners will be announced on August 14.
The top three winners from each group will be awarded shields, and certificates will be given to all participants.
These initiatives by PNCA are designed to provide a national platform for youth to reflect their love for Pakistan through artistic and cultural expression.
By engaging in painting, performance, music, and poster design, students will not only celebrate independence but also explore and express the values that define the nation’s identity, resilience, and unity.
The participants and institutions can contact PNCA through WhatsApp at 0334-5252508 for further details.
