Karachi: Grand Inauguration of World Culture Festival 2025, Chief Minister of Sindh Presides

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The 39-day "World Culture Festival 2025" organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah. President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmad Shah warmly welcomed the Chief Minister, while the ceremony began with the national anthem, during which all guests stood in respect. The inauguration featured a showreel from the 2024 festival.

The event was attended by Consuls General from Australia, the Ivory Coast, Turkey, France, UAE, Japan, Sri Lanka, Russia, Iraq; Deputy Commissioner of Bangladesh; Chairman HEC; Director Alliance Française Karachi; Provincial Minister for Culture, Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah; Saeed Ghani; and Nasir Hussain Shah.

Pakistan's renowned painter Amin Guljee's live performance adorned the Arts Council with vibrant colors of performing arts, while the Balochi dance "Leva" became the center of attention for enthusiasts. Music lovers swayed to various tunes. Starting October 30, the festival will run through December 7 at the Arts Council.

In his opening remarks, President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmad Shah thanked the Chief Minister, stating that the Sindh government has always provided the most support. He praised the services of the Commissioner Karachi, Chief Secretary, CPO Karachi Maqsood Memon, and university vice-chancellors. He announced that the festival's first theme is "Peace," describing Gaza as the biggest Karbala of the 21st century, while the second theme is "Environment." Artists worldwide have condemned the genocide, and films on environmental issues will be screened. Over 1,000 artists from 141 countries are participating, celebrating a beautiful blend of cultures.

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said in his address, "Artists are the true ambassadors of peace." He thanked Arts Council President Ahmad Shah, provincial ministers, ambassadors, artists, and the governing body. "This festival spreads messages of peace and love. The Arts Council is the cultural heart of the nation. Last year, artists from 44 countries participated; this time, participation from 141 countries is a huge success that highlights Pakistan's positive image."

He added that Karachi is welcoming the world. The festival showcases the beauty and power of art, where dancers, poets, painters, and musicians speak the common language of humanity. Sindh's culture is not just policy but our heritage, where Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's poetry still echoes in shrines and streets, and Sufi rhythms beat in hearts. Pakistani artists have taken our stories to the world, with Oscar, Grammy, and theater successes as proof. He commended Minister for Culture Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah's efforts and said art knows no borders; no one feels like a stranger in Karachi. "Sindh is the land of love."

A bouquet was presented to the Chief Minister at the inauguration. In the finale, Madan Gopal (Nepal), Ammar Ashqar (Syria), Lucy Tasker (Belgium), Shah Ja Faqir, Armaan Rahim (Pakistan), and Sheerin Javed (Bangladesh) enchanted with their voices. French singer Zakaria Hafar played the santur, Akbar Khamisu Khan played the flute, and performers from Bailé Beyond Borders, Chrome Louie, Kasper the Saint, Ruby Jenn (USA), Corinne De Boek (Italy), Alina Ciceo + Radu Domsa (Romania), and Congolese street dancers won hearts with their dance performances. A short film "Plastic" (South Korea) on the environment was also screened.

This festival will serve as a splendid platform for cultural exchange, shining a light on Karachi globally.