Karachi’s Arts Council Announces Grand World Culture Festival This October

 By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has officially unveiled plans for the upcoming World Culture Festival 2025 during a press conference held at the Haseena Moin Hall, Ahmed Shah Building. Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, led the event alongside internationally celebrated singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Secretary of the Arts Council Ejaz Farooqi and artist promoter Sajjad Khan were also in attendance.

During the briefing, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced that the festival will take place from October 30 to December 7, 2025.

The event, originally scheduled for an earlier date, was postponed owing to the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India, as well as the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.

Shah highlighted that this year’s festival will see participation from over 800 artists representing 102 countries, including performers from 31 African nations, 30 Asian countries, and 26 European states, in addition to artists from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Portugal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. The festival has been expanded to encompass a broader array of artistic expressions, adding film to its traditional focus on music, theatre, and dance. “I have great love and respect for all Pakistani artists, including Baloch and Sindhi performers. This year, we will also host iconic local artists such as Faqir Zulfiqar, Akbar Khamiso Khan, Mai Dhai, and Sanam Marvi,” Shah stated.

In another significant announcement, Ahmed Shah revealed plans for the establishment of a Film Academy at the Arts Council, which is set to commence in January 2026, with formal classes to follow shortly thereafter. “We aim to nurture and elevate Pakistan’s film industry,” he emphasized.

Shah also credited the Sindh Government for its comprehensive support, particularly regarding security arrangements for the festival. The closing ceremony on December 7, 2025, will feature a performance by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who will pay tribute to the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. “We had initially planned to commemorate Ustad Nusrat’s death anniversary on September 6, but due to Rabi-ul-Awwal, we will now pay tribute during the festival,” he added.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan expressed his appreciation to the Arts Council and Muhammad Ahmed Shah for including him in the festival. He remarked, “Events like these should be held in every city. The people of Pakistan celebrate wholeheartedly, turning every victory into a true celebration.” Rahat also acknowledged the Government of Sindh and the Arts Council for providing a platform for his performances, referencing successful concerts held in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Karachi.

Lastly, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan announced the Sindh Government's plans to establish NFAK and RFAK Academies in both Karachi and Lahore, aimed at nurturing the next generation of vocal talent. “I believe Pakistan is full of talent,” he concluded, expressing an optimistic outlook for the country’s cultural landscape.