By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Karachi Arts Council wrapped up its World Culture Festival with a colourful closing ceremony attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi’s CCPO Javed Alam Odho and the UAE Consul General Bakhit Atiq. Artists from Bangladesh, South Africa, Italy, Algeria and Japan were also present.
Addressing the ceremony, Shah thanked international performers for coming to Pakistan and praised the Arts Council for organizing what he called a “beautiful festival”. He said representatives from more than 140 countries had taken part, adding that culture remained “a defining part of who we are”. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Sindh culture minister in making the festival a success.
Arts Council President Ahmed Shah told the audience that support from various consulates had helped deliver the event. He revealed that 80% of participating artists had purchased their own tickets, including 22 performers from the United States. He also praised the Karachi police chief for his role in ensuring the festival ran smoothly.
Shah added that the global community was united against extremism, saying: “The world wants peace, not war.” The final day featured a grand musical jam session, with performances by Ustad Noor Bakhsh, Taj Mastani and several international artists. Musicians from Japan, Kenya, Algeria and Bangladesh joined the stage.
Balochi maestro Ustad Noor Bakhsh captivated the crowd with his signature benjo melodies, while a joint performance by sitarist Farhan Raees Khan and Algerian artist Farah Baba Ama drew loud applause from the audience.
