The much-anticipated “World Culture Festival Karachi,” organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, kicks off today. During a grand press conference held at HaseenaMoin Hall, prominent figures such as the legendary satirist Anwar Maqsood, President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Sindh Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, and Secretary EjazFarooqi, gathered to unveil the details of the event.
International cultural groups from Nepal and Kosovo were also in attendance, marking the festival’s global significance. Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced that the festival would commence with an inaugural ceremony led by the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah. The festival, lasting 35 days from today September 26 to October 30, 2024, will feature a diverse array of performances, workshops, and cultural exhibitions from around the world, hosted at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. Shah highlighted that international groups will conduct workshops with students from Karachi University and other educational institutions. Over the course of the festival, attendees will experience 40 theater performances, 55 musical shows, 50 dance performances, 20 workshops, 10 talks, and 5 fine art exhibitions.
Traditional folk performances from Gilgit, Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh will also be showcased, celebrating Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. Shah said, “We are the inheritors of three great civilizations, and this festival will include theater in Urdu, Sindhi, English, and various other languages.” He also confirmed that the Sindh government, including Chief Secretary of Sindh, is fully supporting the event.
Forty countries will be represented at the festival, including Palestine, Türkiye, India, the UAE, the USA, the UK, Germany, China, Australia, Russia, Egypt, and many more. Shah proudly announced that more than 450 artists from around the world will participate, delivering over 100 cultural performances. In addition to theater, music, and dance, the festival will feature fine art exhibitions, qawwali, and classical dance performances. Notable artists such as AkhtarChanal, WahabBugti, Mai Dhai, and instrumentalist Abdullah will take the stage, while traditional instruments like the sarangi and flute will be showcased. Anwar Maqsood, reflecting on the importance of the event, said, “You know what’s happening in Islamabad, Balochistan, and Punjab.
Sindh is the only province hosting a cultural festival. At a time when people are leaving the country, it’s wonderful to see 40 countries coming to Karachi. This is a testament to Sindh’s hard work and love.” Sindh’s Minister for Culture, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, emphasized that the festival will present a positive image of Pakistan to the world, reinforcing ties with foreign countries. He noted that the Sindh government is offering full support to the Arts Council and ensuring all security measures for the event. “Anwar Maqsood’s vision, brought to life by Ahmed Shah, will indeed succeed, as this festival will be broadcast worldwide through the media,” he added. EjazFarooqi, Secretary of the Arts Council, remarked, “A festival of this magnitude has never been held in Pakistan before. We are deeply grateful to President Muhammad Ahmed Shah for this significant initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vibrant culture to the world.”
