This incredible event will bring together participants from 40 countries worldwide
By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi holds a press conference to discuss the “World Culture Festival Karachi” at Haseena Moin Hall. President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, along with renowned intellectual and humorist Anwar Maqsood, actor, theater director Khalid Ahmed, Prof. Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi and Qudsia Akbar briefed the media.
On this occasion, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced that the “World Culture Festival Karachi,” organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, will commence on September 26th and continue till October 30th, 2024.
The festival will see the participation of more than 34 countries, including Palestine, India, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Russia, Egypt, South Africa, Italy, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Norway, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Ukraine, Oman, Qatar, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, France, Uganda, Belarus, Ireland, Kosovo, Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, and others.
The “World Culture Festival Karachi” will feature more than 100 cultural performances by more than 350 artists, including theater, music, dance groups, and fine arts from Pakistan and abroad. He further added that before the Aalmi Urdu Conference, the Arts Council usually hosts the Youth Festival, Pakistan Theater Festival, Music Festival, and Dance Festival.
However, this time, they are bringing the largest festival in Pakistan’s history, named the “World Culture Festival Karachi. He mentioned that during the last Pakistan Theater Festival, 7 countries participated, and although they initially planned to organize another Pakistan Theater Festival, the overwhelming response from international embassies and music and dance artists led them to expand the event into a World Culture Festival.
Approximately 40 countries will participate, with 34 already confirmed. Internationally, 150 artists will be involved. This festival will include people of all colors, races, and languages from Europe, Africa, Australia, India, and other countries. There will be a fusion of various music and dance forms from around the world, with workshops and talks alongside performances, open to Arts Council students and others through registration. He explained that all groups will perform with Arts Council students at various universities and communities.
Previously artists found great joy in performing at all these locations. We will also showcase Pakistan’s folk music, theater, and dance. Ahmed Shah highlighted that Pakistan’s culture, artists, and heritage are rich, and the festival will also include Qawwali and classical dance. Performances by Akhtar Chanal, Wahab Bugti, Mai Dhai, instrumentalist Abdullah, and Faqir Zulfiqar, as well as instruments like Sarangi and flute will be part of the festival. They aim to create a universal music experience with international artists.
This kind of music has never been produced in Pakistan or Asia. He expressed the desire to bring 35 days of joy to the public, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, no matter the circumstances. He also mentioned being in continuous contact with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who has fully supported the festival and assured security arrangements. While there have been visa issues between India and Pakistan, efforts are being made to include as many artists from various countries as possible. Renowned humorist and writer Anwar Maqsood remarked that just as Allama Iqbal had a dream, Ahmed Shah has a dream of bringing together 40 countries in one place, which is indeed a dream.
Ahmed Shah is making this happen, and this program will surely be successful. He noted that for 77 years, the nation has not been truly happy, but perhaps this festival will bring some joy. He was pleased that groups from Jaipur and Mumbai would be participating and that artists from all over the world are coming to this festival. He wished for peace in the country and congratulated Ahmed Shah.
Theater director Khalid Ahmed added that this is going to be a very large festival and that it has grown significantly over time. He expressed amazement at the scale of the festival, acknowledging that the challenges are not easy, but it will be a great learning opportunity for students to understand how people think globally. In conclusion, Secretary Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Prof. Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi thanks the media.
