World Culture Festival 2025 in Full Swing at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The third day of the World Culture Festival 2025 provided a vibrant showcase of artistic diversity, featuring an array of performances, workshops, and discussions that captivated audiences at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. The day kicked off with an engaging Open Mic session, drawing in artists of various disciplines, including dance, music, theatre, and fine arts.

Artists from across the globe, representing countries such as Congo, France, Syria, Belgium, Romania, and Kosovo, took the stage to share their unique cultural experiences and insights. A highlight of the day was a thought-provoking discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creative industries, where participants underscored the idea that art serves as a universal language that transcends borders.

Expressing their delight, performers from Congo remarked, “When we decided to come to Pakistan, people questioned our choice, but after arriving here, we realized it was the right decision. Meeting artists from all over the world in Pakistan has been a wonderful experience.”

Muhammad Ahmad Shah, President of the Arts Council, emphasized the festival's focus on youth, stating, “We launched the World Culture Festival for the youth. We want to see our city vibrant and full of life. Every day at 4 PM, we screen films open to the public through free registration. I have brought artists from various realms of painting, theatre, music, and dance to connect with you. For 40 days, this festival will keep Karachi alive with color and creativity. We work for Pakistan and its flag.” He also announced that acclaimed musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform in a free concert as part of the festival.

As part of the "United States Focus" segment, five short films were screened to an enthusiastic crowd, including *Apni Hi Dhun (Rhythm of Our Own)*, *An Arrow Held Back*, *Shadows*, *Two Rivers*, and *Caravana*.

Highlighting the educational aspect of the festival, a music masterclass conducted by renowned Belgian musician Lucy Tasker alongside Pakistani artist Ahsan Bari took place, where students from the Arts Council Music Academy explored improvisational techniques. Tasker encouraged the participants to embrace joy in their artistic endeavors, stating, “We shouldn’t always be serious. I often experiment with my instruments at home without knowing what I’m doing, but that’s when creativity flows. I even recreate the sounds of birds through my instruments.” She expressed enthusiasm about performing alongside the students in the future.

French musician Zakaria Haffar led a captivating vocal workshop that featured a song dating back over 500 years, showcasing the festival's commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

The evening culminated in a spectacular “Dance Night,” with performances from Mani Chao of Pakistan, students from SOVAPA, energetic street dancers from Congo, and the mesmerizing Ballet Beyond Borders (multinational), along with Haraka from Morocco. Each act enthralled the audience, eliciting thunderous applause for its breathtaking cultural performances.

As the festival continues, it has undoubtedly positioned itself as a cornerstone of artistic expression and cultural exchange in Karachi, promising more dynamic events in the days to come.