The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, has announced the third edition of the World Culture Festival 2026, scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 22.
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah, and Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the World Culture Festival has emerged as an important platform for Pakistan’s cultural identity and international cultural engagement. He said the first edition featured artists from 43 countries, the second attracted participation from 144 countries, while artists from around 150 countries are expected to participate this year.
More than 1,000 international artists and over 500 Pakistani artists are expected to take part in various programmes.
According to Ahmed Shah, the festival will bring together music, theatre, dance and other forms of art and culture on a single platform. He described the event as an initiative of cultural diplomacy, aimed at challenging misconceptions about Pakistan, Sindh and Karachi by giving international artists and delegates an opportunity to experience the country firsthand.
Artists From Six Continents to Participate
Ahmed Shah said artists from six continents would participate despite ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world. Participants will include artists from countries such as the United States, Iran, Iraq, Palestine and Latin America.
Two theatre groups from Palestine are also expected to participate. Ahmed Shah noted that several artists associated with the groups had lost their lives during the ongoing conflict.
Artists from across Pakistan, including Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, Kashmir and the Saraiki region, will also participate.
The festival will feature collaborations between Pakistani and international artists, including fusion performances. Special attention will be given to Sindh’s traditional instruments and musical heritage, with a dedicated “Mehran Night” planned to showcase the province’s art, music and culture.
Ahmed Shah highlighted the international interest in traditional Pakistani instruments such as the algoza and borindo, recalling the positive response to last year’s collaboration between Akbar Khamiso Khan and a Belgian temple player.
Karachi to Develop an “Art Village”
Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah said the provincial government aims to expand cultural activities beyond the Arts Council and develop the surrounding area into an “Art Village.”
He said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, town administration, Water Board, Deputy Commissioner’s Office and other institutions were working together on the initiative.
Planned improvements include better roads, lighting, benches, food facilities and pedestrian pathways. Authorities are also working to improve the surrounding cultural infrastructure ahead of winter.
The chief secretary said museums, the Arts Council and other cultural venues would be developed as part of an integrated cultural environment. Special teams are also working on arrangements for foreign delegations, security and traffic management.
Sindh Government Highlights Cultural Diplomacy
Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said the provincial government had coordinated with relevant departments to facilitate the festival.
The Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Security Force, police and other security agencies are also involved in preparations for the arrival and movement of international guests.
Zulfiqar Ali Shah highlighted Sindh’s approximately 5,000-year history and its Sufi cultural heritage, particularly the work of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and his emphasis on women’s dignity and rights.
He said cultural festivals such as the World Culture Festival were playing an important role in projecting Pakistan’s soft image by allowing international visitors to experience the country and its culture directly.
Most Events to Be Free
Organisers said approximately 80 per cent of festival programmes will be free of charge, although advance registration will be required.
Tickets will be introduced for around six to eight major mega concerts.
Ahmed Shah said the festival was ultimately aimed at bringing people closer through culture and promoting a message of peace, tolerance and harmony. He also thanked the Government of Sindh and other institutions for supporting the large-scale cultural initiative.