KARACHI, October 30, 2026: The Third World Culture Festival Karachi 2026 opened on Friday with the participation of around 1,000 artists from 150 countries, bringing together international performers and Pakistani artists for a 25-day celebration of cultural diversity, artistic collaboration and peace.
Organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the festival was inaugurated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The event features art exhibitions, theatre, concerts, music, dance performances and cultural exchange programmes representing traditions from across the world.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the festival, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the event was not about setting records but about spreading a message of peace, equality, love and cultural harmony.
He said the festival had helped strengthen Pakistan’s presence on the international cultural stage over the past two years. This year’s programme brings together artists from all Pakistani provinces, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity from the Himalayan region to the coastal areas of Gwadar.
Around 80 to 85 per cent of participating artists are newcomers to the festival. They include dancers, musicians, theatre performers, filmmakers, directors, painters and sculptors. Organisers are also making efforts to include artists with special needs.
International Performances and Cultural Exchange
The festival’s international programme includes performances by acclaimed pianists, Spanish flamenco artists, members of the British Royal Ballet, two Russian dance groups featuring approximately 70 performers, and Tajikistan’s presidential orchestra.
Artists from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and several African countries are also participating. Five groups from Spain are scheduled to perform, although the Spanish ambassador will be unable to attend because of three days of mourning following a train accident in Spain.
A group of Iranian-origin artists is scheduled to present Layla Majnun on October 31. Most members of the group are based in France, the United Kingdom and other countries.
The festival aims to introduce audiences to centuries-old musical traditions and artistic practices while creating opportunities for new creative collaborations. Pakistani artists and students will have opportunities to work alongside international performers, while the Arts Council continues to support artists through international scholarships and residency programmes.
Shah said discussions were also under way with Guinness World Records, Art Paris and the European Union to explore further cultural cooperation, including joint activities with all 27 EU member states.
Most Festival Activities Free for Public
According to the organisers, 97 to 98 per cent of festival activities will be free to attend, with online registration available for visitors. Registration may be restricted when venue capacity is reached, and additional arrangements are being made to accommodate public interest.
Shah emphasised that artists would receive equal respect and protocol regardless of their nationality or financial circumstances. He said financial assistance was also being arranged for international participants with limited resources.
The Arts Council president added that comprehensive security arrangements had been made at festival venues, with police, specialised security units, intelligence agencies and other relevant institutions working together.
Sindh Government Highlights Pakistan’s Cultural Diversity
Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah welcomed international participants, describing artists as ambassadors of peace who can communicate across language barriers.
He called for the removal of visa restrictions that prevent artists from travelling freely and sharing their work internationally. He also said international visitors would experience Pakistan’s hospitality, historic landmarks, cultural sites, coastal areas and local cuisine during their stay.
According to the minister, these experiences could help promote a positive image of Pakistan and challenge negative perceptions about the country.
The festival will also feature a special Mehran Night celebrating local singers and regional traditions. Performers will include Raja Faqir and artists representing different parts of Pakistan, with dedicated programmes highlighting the cultural heritage of Sindh, Balochistan and other provinces.
Shah reaffirmed the Sindh government’s support for the Arts Council and initiatives that promote the country’s cultural diversity.
Pakistan Signs Cultural Exchange Agreements With Ecuador and Mexico
At the end of the press conference, the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi signed memoranda of understanding on cultural exchange with Ecuador and Mexico.
Under the agreements, artists from the participating countries will have opportunities to perform and teach their art abroad, while Pakistani artists and students will be able to take part in cultural and artistic activities in those countries. The Arts Council has also signed similar cultural agreements with the United Kingdom, France and countries in Latin America.
Festival activities have already included a dance workshop by Ecuadorian group Away Runakuna, introducing participants to distinctive dance styles and techniques. French hip-hop dance group Zigzag and Cie Alexandra N’ Possee also delivered a performance that received appreciation from the audience.
The opening-day programme featured a Qawwali Night, with renowned qawwal Hamza Akram and his group performing traditional qawwali for thousands of spectators, who warmly applauded the artists.
The 25-day festival aims to strengthen international cultural ties, create opportunities for emerging artists and showcase the diversity of Pakistan and the wider world through music, dance, theatre and visual arts.