On 15th December, Theatre Wallay, in collaboration with UN IOM Pakistan, presented Hai Safar Bhi Aik Manzil at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad — a theatre production that explored migration as a lived, layered, and ongoing human experience.
The play traced the idea of migration across time, beginning with the great migration of 1947 and moving towards present-day movements driven by the search for livelihood, safety, dignity, and better futures. Rather than treating migration as a single historical event, the production positioned it as a continuous journey — one that reshapes identities, families, and societies across generations. The opening moments of the play drew audiences into the emotional and social realities of 1947 — a time marked by displacement, loss, separation, and forced movement. These scenes laid the foundation for understanding how deeply migration is embedded in the collective memory of the nation.
As the narrative unfolded, the focus shifted to contemporary forms of migration. The play reflected the difficult choices people make today as they move beyond borders in pursuit of work and stability. In doing so, it highlighted the continuity between past and present — showing that while contexts change, the human cost of migration often remains the same.
A significant aspect of Hai Safar Bhi Aik Manzil was its engagement with the realities of irregular (often termed illegal) migration. Through carefully crafted scenes, the play portrayed the risks, exploitation, uncertainty, and vulnerability faced by those who travel without legal protection. These moments did not sensationalise suffering; instead, they invited empathy and reflection. By placing irregular migration within a broader historical and socio-economic framework, the production encouraged audiences to look beyond labels and consider the circumstances that compel people to take such perilous journeys.
The play was received with warmth and thoughtful engagement. Audience members connected deeply with the stories on stage, many recognising echoes of their own family histories or contemporary realities around them. The response reaffirmed the power of theatre as a space for dialogue — one where complex social issues can be explored with honesty, nuance, and emotional depth.
With Hai Safar Bhi Aik Manzil, Theatre Wallay continues its commitment to socially engaged theatre — using performance as a means to reflect lived realities, amplify unheard voices, and foster collective reflection. As the title suggests, the journey itself becomes a destination. Through stories of movement, loss, resilience, and hope, the play reminded us that migration is not merely about crossing borders, but about the human search for belonging and dignity.
Production Credits
Script & Direction: Safeer Ullah Khan
Production Team: Mustafa Hasan, Fahad Tariq
Cast: Nadir Shahbaz, Ahad Ali Siddiqui, Zarmeen Kausar, Waqas Maitla, Tayyab Ali, Azam Hamaeed, Zohan Sheikh, Rehan Khan
