Singer Sanam Marvi Serves Legal Notice to Arts Council President Over Alleged Mistreatment at Sukkur Concert

ISLAMABAD; Renowned folk and Sufi singer Sanam Marvi has issued a legal notice to Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, accusing him of mistreatment, intimidation, and preventing her from performing at a concert in Sukkur on August 10. The event was part of a three-city series organised by the Arts Council for the Sindh government to commemorate Marka-e-Haq and Pakistan’s Independence Day.

The notice, dated August 11 and sent through Marvi’s lawyer, alleges that she was deliberately hindered from entering the venue at Jinnah Municipal Stadium, where she was scheduled to perform alongside Asim Azhar, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bilal Saeed, Young Stunners, and HAVI. The final event in the series is set for August 14 at Karachi’s National Stadium.

According to the legal notice, Marvi had agreed to appear at the Sukkur event, but organisers allegedly failed to respond to her repeated calls for about 90 minutes, causing delays in her arrival. The document claims this was done “with the mala fide object of discriminating against [Marvi] solely on the basis of her being a Sindhi artist.”

Marvi asserts that upon reaching the venue—after making her own travel arrangements and even dispatching her brothers to assist—she was left standing outside “in full view of her fans, fellow musicians, and her entire band” for an unreasonable period. The notice further accuses Shah of physically pushing her, shouting in an “aggressive and intimidating tone,” and threatening to bar her from the stage, accompanied by “vile and abusive language.”

“This disgraceful conduct towards a distinguished folk singer and cultural icon constitutes a gross affront to her dignity, honour, and professional stature,” the notice reads, adding that the incident caused her “immense mental anguish, emotional distress, and irreparable reputational harm.”

Marvi is demanding a public apology and Rs50 million in damages to cover reputational harm, emotional suffering, and any financial losses. The notice warns that civil and criminal proceedings will be initiated if her demands are not met within seven days.

Shah Denies Allegations, Calls Claims ‘Politically Motivated’

Ahmed Shah has rejected all allegations, calling them “a pack of lies.” Speaking to Images, he said he had not officially received the notice, despite it circulating on social media. He suggested the accusations were politically motivated, insisting, “I have served Sindh for years and people know me.”

Shah contends that Marvi’s entry was scheduled for 7pm and she arrived around 10 or 10:15pm, long after her slot. “Even Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reached at 6pm because the show had to close at a certain time,” he said. He claimed he met Marvi briefly at the Sukkur Gymkhana, invited her for tea, and never exchanged harsh words.

According to Shah, Marvi’s late arrival was due to a road blockade on the Indus Highway, a fact she allegedly mentioned in a video uploaded to social media. Despite the delay, Shah said he believed she should still have been given stage time before Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s performance, but claimed she chose to remain in her vehicle instead.

Shah reiterated that he would respond formally once the legal notice is officially served.