Murad lauds ACP for showing Pakistan can spread message of love through art and culture

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that by hosting the World Culture Festival, the Arts Council has shown the world that Pakistan is more than capable of spreading the message of peace, love, and harmony through the universal language of art and culture.

This he said while speaking at an award distribution ceremony of the World Culture Festival at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, on Saturday evening.

The programme was attended by Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Minister for Home Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, ambassadors, consul generals, local and international artistes, and members of the media fraternity and fine arts.

The CM said that the cultural festival, which has grown to become the longest festival in the world, impressively spanning 38 days, is truly a testament to the power of culture, unity, and resilience.

He added that what started as a vision has now transformed into a global celebration of diversity, connecting 43 countries from across the globe right here in Karachi.

Shah said that when the idea of bringing artistes from different nations was proposed, it seemed like an impossible dream. “But, with the efforts of the Arts Council team and vision, this dream was made a reality.”

The CM said that in an ideal world, forging such diplomatic ties should be the responsibility of the foreign ministry or the federal government. “Yet, we are witnessing the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, stepping up and taking on the role of cultural diplomacy, with the Sindh government’s full support,” he said.

He added that with events like the World Culture Festival, the Arts Council has shown the world that Pakistan is more than capable of spreading the message of peace, love, and harmony through the universal language of art and culture. “I am proud to say that we have been steadfast partners in this journey, fully supporting this endeavour to amplify Pakistan’s cultural footprint on the global stage,” the CM said.

“This festival has highlighted a truth we hold dear — that Sindh is not only the birthplace of this extraordinary event but also a beacon of culture and unity,” Shah said and added that Karachi, a city that is often portrayed in the news for its challenges, has rewritten the headlines during these past 38 days.

Shah said that this time, the world saw Karachi in a different light, a light that illuminated our theatres filled to capacity, international troupes praising our hospitality, and artistes from across the world applauding our rich cultural tapestry.

“This festival has shifted the narrative, showing Karachi as the vibrant cultural hub that it truly is,” he said and added that the world is changing, and so are the ways in which nations engage with one another.

The CM said that in this evolving landscape, cultural diplomacy has become more important than ever, and he thanked the Arts Council for leading the way. “Through this festival, they have beautifully showcased the folk heritage of not just Sindh, but the entirety of Pakistan on a grand scale, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who participated or witnessed this celebration,” he said.

The CM said that as we stand on the threshold of even greater cultural exchange, “I hope that the success of this year’s festival will inspire the world to send even more countries to next year’s World Culture Festival,” he said. He added that let this be a reminder to all that Pakistan is a nation of peace, creativity, and hospitality.

He said that we have opened our doors to the world, and he believed the world will now respond with even more enthusiasm and participation in the years to come.

He congratulated all the artists, performers, and organisers for making the festival a resounding success. “The Arts Council’s team should be immensely proud of their work in elevating our culture and connecting us with the world,” he said and added that the Arts Council had made both Sindh and Pakistan proud, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab expressed gratitude to Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah for conducting such a big festival in the city. He said that such cultural events went a long way in promoting the positive image of Pakistan before the international community. “The people of this city and country have the right to smile,” he said. He held out the promise to the Ahmed Shah that the Faizi Rahmeen Art Gallery would be handed over to the Arts Council.

The UAE consul general praised the efforts of Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah and the Arts council president for holding cultural activities in Karachi. He said the UAE would continue to support the Sindh government and Arts Council for conducting more such healthy recreational activities in Karachi and other cities of Sindh.

Arts Council President Ahmed Shah said that the Arts Council would host an even bigger international cultural festival in the city. He expressed gratitude to the Sindh government of the PPP for lending generous financial assistance for the growth and expansion of the Arts Council.

He said the artistes from the United States, Russia, Palestine, Germany, France, and many other countries took part in the World Culture Festival. He said that numerous events based on the cultures of different nations and regions of the globe were part of the World Culture Festival.

He said the Sindh government’s Home Department had given foolproof security to the foreign artistes who took part in the festival. He said artistic and cultural activities would help boost the morale of the people and encourage them to overcome the atmosphere of fear and harassment created by terrorists.

Playwright, satirist and television host Anwar Maqsood was given the lifetime achievement award.