The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a 39-day World Culture Festival 2025, which was inaugurated with great grandeur by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah. President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah warmly received the Chief Minister upon his arrival. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, during which the audience stood in respect, followed by the screening of the show reel of World Culture Festival 2024.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Consuls General of Australia, Ivory Coast, Türkiye, France, UAE, Japan, Sri Lanka, Russia, and Iraq, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Bangladesh, Chairman HEC, Director Alliance Française de Karachi, and Provincial Ministers Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.
Renowned Pakistani sculptor Amin Gulgee presented a live performance, transforming the Arts Council premises into a vivid canvas of performing arts. The traditional Balochi dance “Leva” drew enthusiastic applause, while music lovers swayed to rhythmic tunes. The festival, which began on October 30, will continue until December 7, offering a 39-day celebration of world cultures.
In his welcome address, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed his gratitude to the Sindh government for its continued support, saying The Sindh government has always stood shoulder to shoulder with us. Commissioner Karachi has kept all departments on alert, while the services of the Chief Secretary, CCPO Karachi, Maqsood Memon, and university vice-chancellors deserve appreciation.”
He further said that the first theme of this festival is ‘Peace.’ The greatest tragedy of the 21st century was Gaza. We need a better and more humane world. Artists around the world have strongly condemned this genocide. The second theme is ‘Environment,’ as environmental degradation has deeply affected our country. Through this festival, we are also screening films addressing environmental issues. Representatives from across the world are here to celebrate the beautiful blend of cultures.”
Addressing the audience, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Provincial Ministers Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Haider Shah, ambassadors, consuls general, esteemed guests, international and Pakistani artists, officials, and the governing body of the Arts Council. I am pleased to inaugurate the second edition of the World Culture Festival, an important event that spreads the message of peace and love across the world.”He added that the Arts Council is not only the cultural heart of this city but of the entire nation. The credit for this grand festival goes to Muhammad Ahmed Shah and his team for their tireless efforts, artistic vision, and unwavering dedication that turned this dream into reality.”
Reflecting on the festival’s global reach, he said that Last year, artists from 44 countries participated in the World Culture Festival. This year, over 1,000 artists from 141 countries are taking part in a remarkable achievement that has enhanced Pakistan’s positive image globally. Karachi is the heart of Pakistan, and today it welcomes the world. This festival showcases not only the beauty of art but also its power to unite humanity.”
Highlighting Sindh’s deep cultural roots, he continued In Sindh, culture is not merely a policy, it is our heritage. The poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai still echoes in our shrines and streets. The rhythm of the Sufi drum and Kaafi songs beat within our hearts. Our artists have taken Pakistan’s story to the world; the achievements of our Oscar and Grammy winners are a testament to our cultural brilliance. The voices and pens of our artists are the true ambassadors of peace.”
He also appreciated Provincial Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah for his valuable contributions and warmly welcomed all international guests, saying Your presence here proves that art knows no boundaries. In Karachi, no one feels like a stranger. Sindh is truly the land of love.”
President Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented a bouquet to Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah as a token of appreciation.
The evening concluded with vibrant performances by Madan Gopal (Nepal), Ammar Ashkar (Syria), Lucy Tasker (Belgium), Shah Jaa Faqeer, Arman Rahim (Pakistan), and Shireen Jawad (Bangladesh). French musician Zakaria Haffar enchanted the audience with a mesmerizing santoor performance, while Akbar Khamiso Khan’s flute melodies added soulful harmony.
International groups, including Ballet Beyond Borders, Chrome Louie, Kasper the Saint, Ruby Jenn (USA), Corinne De Boek (Italy), Alina Ciceo & Radu Domsa (Romania), and street dancers from Congo, delivered captivating dance performances that won the audience’s hearts.
As part of the festival’s environmental theme, the South Korean short film “Plastic” was screened, raising awareness about global environmental challenges and sustainability.
