Karachi, Pakistan — The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) has launched the ‘Aawaaz Audio Theater Project’, an initiative aimed at reviving the rich tradition of radio drama in Pakistan through a modern, digital format.
The project, unveiled at NAPA’s Karachi campus on Monday, seeks to bring together writers, actors, directors, and sound designers to produce compelling audio plays that blend classic storytelling with contemporary themes.
According to NAPA representatives, Aawaaz will feature original scripts in Urdu and regional languages, highlighting social issues, human emotions, and cultural narratives. The productions will be made available on streaming platforms and radio channels to reach a diverse audience both locally and internationally.
“With Aawaaz, we are reintroducing the art of imagination-driven performance — where sound, voice, and storytelling create an entire world,” said Zain Ahmed, Artistic Director at NAPA. “It’s about bringing back the intimacy and power of listening.”
The initiative has been widely praised by artists and cultural critics as a timely step to reconnect younger generations with Pakistan’s audio drama legacy — once a staple of national radio programming during the mid-20th century.
NAPA officials added that Aawaaz also aims to provide training and opportunities for emerging talent interested in the craft of voice acting, sound production, and scriptwriting.
The Aawaaz Audio Theater Project marks a creative fusion of nostalgia and innovation, reaffirming NAPA’s role as a leading institution preserving and evolving Pakistan’s performing arts heritage.
