ACP organized a concert featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to celebrate the great success of the World Culture Festival 2025

 By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a grand musical concert at the YMCA Ground to celebrate the resounding success of the 39-day World Culture Festival 2025 for its members and their families. The spectacular evening was headlined by internationally renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who enthralled thousands with his powerful and soulful performance.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan opened the night with the devotional kalam “Allah Hoo” and went on to perform legendary compositions popularized by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, including “Dum Mast Qalandar” and “Akhiyan Udeekdiyan.” His mesmerizing vocals compelled the audience to sway, sing along, and dance, turning the concert into a joyous celebration.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah, while President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah warmly welcomed the guests and members. Thousands of Arts Council members and their families were present to enjoy the memorable evening.

Among the distinguished attendees were Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi, Treasurer Qudsia Akbar, and Governing Body members Ghazi Salahuddin, Abdullah Sultan, Ambareen Haseeb Amber, Amjad Hussain Shah, Farrukh Tanveer Shahab, Huma Mir, Syed Sajid Hasan, S.M. Qaiser Sajjad, Muhammad Iqbal Latif, and Muhammad Ayub Sheikh. Co-opted members Chand Gul Shah, Alia Iqbal Naqvi, and Dr. Jaffar Ahmed were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the evening was like Eid for Arts Council members and their families. “We invited Rahat Fateh Ali Khan especially for our members. I had also invited him to a members’ concert fifteen years ago. The Sindh Government has fully supported us, and without its cooperation, we cannot move forward even an inch. During the World Culture Festival, the Chief Secretary of Sindh personally supervised all security arrangements,” he added.

In his remarks, Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah thanked Muhammad Ahmed Shah for his leadership and vision. He noted that artists from 44 countries participated in the World Culture Festival last year, while performers from 142 countries took part this year. “I believe that next year, artists from 190 countries will participate. This concert is a gift from Muhammad Ahmed Shah and the Sindh Government to the people,” he said.

At the conclusion of the event, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented a commemorative shield to Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah in recognition of his role in the successful organization of the World Culture Festival, along with traditional Sindhi gifts of ajrak and a Sindhi cap.