Artists from 150 countries to participate in World Culture Festival

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has said the provincial government is proud to host the third edition of the World Culture Festival Karachi, which will be a major platform to showcase Pakistan’s peaceful, diverse and culturally rich identity to the world. He made the remarks while chairing a meeting on Monday to review security, traffic and administrative arrangements for the festival, scheduled for October 29 to November 22. Sindh Home Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, and senior officials from the police, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting. Officials told the meeting that more than 1, 000 artists and performers from over 150 countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia would participate in the nearly month-long festival, featuring music, theatre, dance, visual arts and film. The CS said the participation of artists from around the world would advance the concept of “diplomacy through culture” and strengthen Pakistan’s cultural identity on the international stage. The festival would highlight Sindh’s rich heritage, hospitality and cultural diversity while promoting tolerance, cross-cultural understanding and international tourism. “The World Culture Festival Karachi is a matter of pride for Sindh and Pakistan. It reflects our commitment to peace, tolerance and cultural harmony, ” the chief secretary said. Officials briefed the meeting on security, traffic management, sanitation, electricity, emergency response and other arrangements for the festival. The Chief Secretary directed the Additional Inspector General of Police, Karachi, to ensure strict and foolproof security throughout the event. He also called for a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement and minimise inconvenience to citizens. He directed the Traffic Police, district administration and Arts Council to maintain close coordination and respond promptly to traffic congestion, logistical issues and other challenges during the festival. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation was directed to complete necessary repairs on roads leading to the festival venue and ensure cleanliness and beautification of surrounding areas. K-Electric was asked to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the Arts Council throughout the event. The Health Department, Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 were also directed to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency services throughout the festival. The meeting decided to establish special committees under the supervision of the Commissioner Karachi and Additional IGP Karachi to monitor and coordinate festival-related arrangements. A special reception desk will also be set up at Karachi Airport to welcome international artists and facilitate their arrival in the city. Ahmed Shah informed the meeting that artists from more than 150 countries would participate in the festival, describing it as a major international cultural gathering. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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