World Culture Festival 2025: A Celebration of Art and Unity on Day Two

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The second day of the World Culture Festival 2025 unfolded with vibrant expressions of creativity and camaraderie at the Ahmed Pervaiz Art Gallery, within the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. The day was inaugurated with an art exhibition titled “Peace and Pieces – Volume 1,” graced by the presence of Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Arif Haider Shah, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, and ambassadors from Nepal and Argentina.

The exhibition showcased a rich tapestry of artworks from artists representing Argentina, Bangladesh, and Comoros, encapsulating the festival's theme of cultural exchange. Chief Secretary Syed Arif Haider Shah emphasized the significance of art as a universal language, stating, “This is a big festival for us. Art transcends color, religion, and borders. It is a moment of pride to see artists from different countries coming together.”

Muhammad Ahmed Shah echoed these sentiments, highlighting the festival's growing scale, with participation from 142 countries this year, a significant increase from 44 last year. “Artists have no borders; they spread the message of peace through their work,” he remarked, crediting the Sindh government for their unwavering support.

Nepal’s Ambassador Rita Dhital expressed her pride in her country's involvement, noting, “We are also presenting Nepali short films. Congratulations to Muhammad Ahmed Shah. Hopefully, the next festival will be even bigger.” Meanwhile, Argentine Ambassador Leopoldo Francisco Sahores celebrated the participation of Argentine artist Adrian Bojeco, marking a historic moment as the first Argentine artist to participate in the festival.

The exhibition featured a diverse array of artists, including Adrian Bojeco (Argentina), Saborna Murshidah, Shambhu Acharya, Nehriya Mumtaz, and Babli Burna (Bangladesh), Yaz (Comoros), and Domi Forst (Sweden). Their artistic expressions resonated deeply with the Pakistani audience, culminating in a presentation of shields by the Arts Council to the Chief Secretary and the international artists.

In addition to the exhibition, a special session titled “Cultural Diplomacy between Pakistan and Nepal” was held, where Ambassador Dhital and Chief Secretary Haider Shah discussed enhancing bilateral cultural ties.

The festival also screened five short films — three from Pakistan, along with entries from Sri Lanka and Nepal — including titles such as “A Heart So Gentle” and “Rohi.” The segment, aptly named “Opening Shorts: Diplomacy and Exchange,” highlighted the art of filmmaking as a vehicle for cultural dialogue.

The day featured workshops by international dancers under the theme “Ballet Beyond Borders,” where participants explored the art of movement and performance. The Kosovo Theatre Group captivated audiences with their play “TE TURPERUARIT” (The Ashamed), directed by Alton Basha, tackling poignant themes of identity and social conflict.

The festivities culminated in a grand musical concert, showcasing a mix of Pakistani and international talent. The stage was graced by performances from Ammar Ashqar (Syria), Lucy Tasker (Belgium), Madan Gopal (Nepal), and others, alongside celebrated Pakistani artists Bilal Saeed and Akhtar Chenal, leaving the audience enchanted.

As the day drew to a close, it was clear that the World Culture Festival 2025 is not just a celebration of art but a profound testament to the power of culture in bridging divides and fostering global unity.