The World Culture Festival will bring 1,000 artists from 150 countries to Karachi, alongside more than 500 Pakistani participants. The Arts Council of Pakistan will host the event from October 29 to November 22.
Arts Council President Ahmed Shah announced the participation figures at a press conference on Wednesday. He said 85 percent of programmes would require no tickets, although visitors would need to register.
The council’s official announcement identifies this year’s festival as its third edition. Its programme will cover music, theatre, dance, visual arts and film across 25 days.
Artists from countries in conflict to participate
Shah thanked the Sindh government and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for their full support. He described wars around the world as a central concern and presented the festival as a place for cultural exchange.
“I want to make a claim here: our festival brings together more countries compared to the UN where not many countries sit together, and often stage a walkout. For example, we have a group coming from Ukraine to the festival as well as artists from Russia. Similarly, there is US participation in the event and we also have Iran’s participation. Then two theatre groups from Palestine will perform. Artists from Latin American countries will also be seen in action.”
His remarks highlighted the range of participating countries and the organisers’ emphasis on bringing artists together despite political divisions.
Pakistani performers will share the festival platform with international participants. The council says the event will showcase Pakistan’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artistic collaboration and dialogue.
From 40 countries to more than 150
Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah recalled the discussions that preceded the first festival, including concerns about security.
“Two years back, when I became chief secretary, one fine evening Ahmed Shah came to me. In those days, there were security challenges. He talked about the [first] festival. I asked him whether we’d be able to do it. Afterward, we decided to gather courage and do it. This is how it all started. And now beginning from 40 countries, we have crossed the 150 mark. It goes to show that art knows no boundaries.”
Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said the festival had projected Pakistan’s soft image internationally.
Film, theatre and music on the programme
Preparations for the film segment began months before the opening. In June, organisers invited filmmakers worldwide to submit documentaries, narrative films and short films for consideration.
The festival’s previous editions also featured theatre productions, concerts, dance performances, exhibitions and workshops=. These different art forms remain central to the event’s international character.
For audiences planning to attend, registration remains a requirement even for programmes without tickets. Shah’s announcement means most events will offer free access, but the festival will not be entirely ticket-free.
