Umeed 2025 brings Pakistan’s music icons together for education

Three artists. One stage. And a night that proved hope sounds a lot like music. Umeed 2025, a concert with a cause, brought together some of Pakistan’s biggest music stars; Faisal Kapadia, Hassan Raheem, and Shae Gill, all united by one shared purpose: supporting education through The Citizens Foundation (TCF).

The stage lit up first with Shae Gill, the voice that made the world hum along to Pasoori. Effortlessly blending orchestral depth with acoustic warmth, she set the tone for the night. The energy dialed up when Hassan Raheem took over, his signature laid-back charm and electric beats getting the crowd on their feet. But it was the finale; Faisal Kapadia, the legendary voice of Strings that brought nostalgia flooding in. Performing classics that defined a generation, Faisal reminded everyone why music has the power to move hearts and inspire change. A special moment unfolded when he invited Shae and Hassan back on stage, the trio jamming on Strings’ timeless hits.

Faisal Kapadia, the legendary voice of Strings that brought nostalgia flooding in. File

Beyond the music, however, Umeed 2025 carried a deeper rhythm, one of purpose. Organised to raise awareness and support for education in Pakistan’s underserved communities, the event reflected the essence of its name: Umeed, meaning hope.

The evening was made possible through the support of sponsors including Careem, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Rainbow, Samana, RAK Bank, and Emirates. As the title sponsor, Careem’s CEO and co-founder Mudassir Sheikha summed up the spirit of the night:

“Pakistan’s economic potential is enormous. Education is the key to unlocking this potential and driving transformative change. For everything Pakistan has given Careem, we feel a deep responsibility to give back. We are proud to stand alongside TCF in shaping a brighter future.”

For nearly three decades, The Citizens Foundation has been a beacon of that brighter future. Founded in 1995, TCF now runs over 2,033 purpose-built schools, educating more than 300,000 students across Pakistan. What began as a small group of concerned citizens has grown into a movement spanning seven countries, including the UAE.

TCF’s co-founder, Mushtaq Chhapra, reflected on the organisation’s journey:

“Over thirty years, I’ve seen children from some of the toughest communities grow up to become doctors, teachers, and leaders. All they needed was a chance. That’s what Umeed really means to me.”

Audience cheering at the concertFile

And that was the essence of the night, hope passed forward. Through song, through purpose, and through the belief that every child deserves a chance to learn, Umeed 2025 was more than just a concert. It was a reminder that when art and empathy come together, they can rewrite the future.