Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has played a significant role in putting Karachi on the global cultural map. Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab
KARACHI: As part of preparations for the 3rd World Culture Festival Karachi 2026, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, accompanied by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, visited the Arts Council, Burns Garden and Baradari (Polo Ground) to review arrangements for the festival.
Various events of the World Culture Festival will be held at all three venues. Speaking to the media, Barrister Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi had played a significant role in putting Karachi on the global cultural map. He described the arrival of artists from around the world as an honour for the city, adding that their participation in the World Culture Festival would help project Karachi’s positive image internationally. He also commended the efforts of the entire Arts Council team, from Muhammad Ahmed Shah to its young members, for their dedication to organising the festival.
The mayor said that the World Culture Festival is a celebration of culture and an opportunity to welcome artists from across the globe. “Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan are lands of peace, and we want to showcase our positive image to the world,” he said. He added that the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase Karachi’s historical landmarks, cultural heritage and attractive public spaces to an international audience. Digital and traditional billboards across the city would also be used to promote the festival and highlight Karachi’s cultural identity.
Emphasising the importance of supporting local talent, Mayor said that Karachi’s artists, musicians, young people and scholars needed encouragement and patronage. He assured that every possible measure would be taken to support local artists and promote their work. He further said that collaboration with the Arts Council would be strengthened to promote cultural activities in Karachi, adding that such initiatives would continue beyond the World Culture Festival.
Speaking to the media, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah said, “The whole of Pakistan is my homeland. I work not for money, but to serve my land.” Born in Karachi, he said he felt a deep attachment to the city, which is part of Sindh. He added that serving his homeland and its people remained his foremost purpose.
Regarding preparations for the World Culture Festival, Shah said that the Arts Council had been in contact with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for more than a month. A meeting had also been held at his office, attended by the Commissioner Karachi, the Director General Technical, the Director and officials from other relevant departments. He said work was underway at various locations across the city and expressed confidence that the situation would improve.
Shah said that the arrival of artists from around the world had expanded cultural activities in Karachi and Sindh. He noted that the Chief Minister of Sindh was taking a keen interest in the festival, while the Chief Secretary Sindh was overseeing administrative arrangements. The Chief Secretary had also convened a meeting with representatives of 22 departments, attended by the mayor and other relevant officials.
The Commissioner Karachi and KMC were also supporting the festival arrangements. Thanking the mayor, Shah appreciated the work being carried out at Burns Garden under his leadership.
He announced that a Qawwali Night would be held at Burns Garden, while the closing ceremony of the World Culture Festival would take place at Baradari, featuring a performance by renowned singer Sajjad Ali. Highlighting the historical significance of Baradari, Shah recalled that approximately 50,000 people had attended the closing ceremony of the previous festival. He further revealed that around 100 young university graduates were working on various aspects of the festival and coordinating with artists from around the world. At the conclusion of the visit, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza with a calligraphic artwork featuring Durood-e-Ibrahimi.
