World Culture Festival 2025: Karachi Welcomes Artists from 141 Countries

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, has officially announced the much-anticipated World Culture Festival 2025, scheduled to take place from October 30 to December 7. The announcement was made during a press conference held at Haseena Moin Hall, led by the President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, alongside the Minister of Culture and Tourism for Sindh, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.

This year’s festival will witness unprecedented participation, with representatives from a total of 141 countries confirmed to join the cultural celebration. The participating nations include impressive contingents of artists from Africa (37 countries), Asia (41), Europe (36), North America (13), South America (11), and Oceania (3).

The festival is set to be a grand showcase of global arts, featuring an array of events, including 45 theatre performances, 60 music shows, 25 dance performances, and six art exhibitions showcasing work from both international and local artists. Additionally, there will be 25 training sessions and 15 talks, all highlighting the collaborative nature of culture and the arts.

President Shah emphasized the festival's role in promoting a positive image of Pakistan on the world stage. “This festival will showcase that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation,” he stated, while thanking the media for their efforts in presenting a favorable perspective of Sindh and Pakistan globally. He noted that preparations for the festival commenced last year, aiming to make it the largest cultural event of its kind in the world.

In a nod to the current global climate, Shah remarked on the need for peace, stating, “We will not allow anyone to disrupt peace in the city,” and called for the elimination of extremist elements that threaten harmony. He shared that over 2,800 films had been submitted to the festival, a record number, fostering inclusivity by receiving submissions from Israeli and Indian filmmakers as well.

“It is significant for us to emphasize that artists should not be held accountable for their governments’ actions, especially in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” he added. As the festival approaches, Shah expressed optimism that Karachi would emerge as a focal point of global culture.

Minster Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growth of the festival since its inaugural edition, which featured artists from 42 countries. He noted that participating artists leave with cherished memories of their time in Pakistan, thereby spreading its positive image worldwide.

“The Arts Council, under Ahmed Shah’s leadership, continues to represent Pakistan’s cultural face to the world,” Shah asserted, drawing on the legacy of legendary poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, who promoted messages of love and peace centuries ago. The festival, he stressed, would further underscore Sindh's rich cultural heritage while inviting international artists to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Pakistani people.

The lineup of world-renowned artists includes musical icons such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Mai Dhai, and Akhtar Chanal. The festival will also feature an Images Festival, environmental awareness workshops, and daily film screenings that will enrich the cultural tapestry of the event.

As preparations ramp up, excitement builds for what promises to be a landmark festival, one that highlights creativity, unity, and the shared spirit of humanity amidst diversity.