Commissioner Karachi Chairs Key Meeting at Arts Council to Review Arrangements for World Culture Festival

KARACHI, Oct 13 (APP): The Karachi administration and relevant civic and security agencies have pledged full support for the successful organisation of the Third World Culture Festival, scheduled to be held from October 29 to November 22, 2026, at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, with the support of the Sindh government.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi at the Arts Council on Tuesday, where officials discussed arrangements for security, cleanliness, beautification, fire safety and the facilitation of international guests expected to attend the festival.

The meeting emphasised that the event would provide an opportunity to project a positive image of Karachi and Pakistan internationally by showcasing the country’s cultural diversity, artistic talent and hospitality. The commissioner expressed hope that the Sindh government’s efforts to promote culture, literature and constructive activities would help ensure the successful organisation of the festival.

Naqvi directed all concerned departments to perform their responsibilities in accordance with the instructions of the chief minister and chief secretary of Sindh, stressing that international delegates should return to their countries with positive and lasting impressions of Karachi and share their experiences with others.

He said special security arrangements would be put in place at all festival venues, directing deputy commissioners, the Special Security Unit (SSU) and police to ensure foolproof security throughout the event. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), town municipal administrations, Civil Defence and other relevant agencies would work together to provide the necessary administrative and logistical support.

The commissioner also directed civic authorities to improve cleanliness and beautification across the city, particularly along major routes and around festival venues. Special attention would be given to areas through which international delegations would travel, with municipal authorities tasked with creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

As part of the programme, foreign delegates would be taken to Karachi’s historic, cultural and scenic landmarks, as well as prominent educational institutions, including the University of Karachi, NED University of Engineering and Technology and SZABIST. Visits to other important sites would also be arranged to familiarise international guests with the city’s academic, cultural and social life.

The visiting delegations would also tour the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, to learn more about the country’s history and experience its cultural diversity and contemporary society.

Briefing the commissioner on the festival’s programme and preparations, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the event had established itself as an internationally recognised cultural gathering, attracting distinguished artists and performers from across the world.

According to the briefing, more than 1,000 artists from over 150 countries are expected to visit Karachi, while more than 500 Pakistani artists from different parts of the country will showcase their talents. The festival will feature painters, theatre groups, musicians and performers representing diverse cultural traditions.

Performances by theatre groups and musicians from the United States, Iran, Russia and Latin America will form part of the programme, offering audiences opportunities to experience a wide range of international artistic expressions.

The KMC and town municipal administrations will take special measures to decorate festival venues and key locations across Karachi, ensuring that the city reflects the spirit of the international cultural gathering. Authorities will also coordinate arrangements for the safe movement of visiting delegations between the airport, accommodation facilities and festival venues.

To streamline administrative coordination, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khosa was assigned responsibility for overseeing arrangements and providing guidance and assistance to the Arts Council. A dedicated facilitation desk will be established at the council under his supervision to assist organisers, international delegates and other guests.

Fire safety was also identified as a key priority during the meeting. It was decided that safety audits would be conducted at the Arts Council building and all other festival venues under the supervision of the deputy commissioner south. The commissioner directed the deputy commissioner and the director of Civil Defence to coordinate closely with the Arts Council to ensure compliance with safety requirements.

The measures will include the availability of firefighting equipment, clearly marked emergency exits and entry points, and appropriate arrangements to prevent accidents and ensure a timely response in emergencies.

During a subsequent press briefing at the Arts Council, Naqvi, accompanied by Ahmed Shah and other officials, reiterated that the municipal commissioner of KMC and municipal commissioners of the relevant towns had been assigned responsibilities for improving sanitation and beautification, particularly along major routes and around festival locations.

The concerned departments also reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating and securing visiting delegations travelling from the airport to various venues and other locations across the city.

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Shah, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khosa, KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jaffar, the director of Civil Defence, representatives of the Special Security Unit, and senior police and cantonment board officials. Other deputy commissioners and representatives of relevant departments participated through video link.

With extensive preparations planned across security, municipal services and guest facilitation, the festival is expected to bring together artists from around the world and provide Karachi with an opportunity to strengthen its international cultural connections while highlighting Pakistan’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative talent.