Governor hosts reception for World Culture Festival participants

KARACHI, Nov 02 (APP): Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has said that Pakistan’s culture is rich in diversity, with its roots deeply connected to the ancient civilisations of the Indus Valley, Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

He observed that the presence of artists and singers from across the continents, from East to West, in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, reflects the city’s identity as a place of peace, love and cultural harmony.

He emphasised that art has no borders and culture is an effective means of bringing people from different parts of the world closer together. He also noted that efforts to promote global peace and stability were continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

The Governor expressed these views while addressing a prestigious reception hosted at Governor House in honour of local and international participants of the World Culture Festival 2026.

Welcoming the guests from around the world, he remarked that having such a large number of artists, performers and singers gathered under one roof was a matter of pride and privilege for him. He warmly welcomed all participants to Karachi and highlighted their important role in projecting Pakistan’s positive image internationally.

He stated that the participants represented the cultures, traditions and values of their respective countries and were contributing to bringing the world closer through their art. Cultural activities, he added, serve as an effective platform for bridging differences among countries and societies while promoting mutual respect, harmony and friendship.

The Governor expressed pleasure over the participation of artists and representatives from various countries in the international cultural festival being held in Karachi. He hoped that the guests would take pleasant memories of their visit and convey the message of Pakistan’s positive image and the hospitality of its people to their respective countries.

The reception was attended by Senator Talha Mahmood, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, the Secretary for Culture and Human Rights, the Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and consuls general from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Türkiye, China, France, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Russia and Bangladesh, along with diplomatic representatives from Poland, the United Kingdom and other countries.

On the occasion, Senator Talha Mahmood emphasised that more cultural festivals of this nature should be organised across Pakistan to further promote the country’s culture and positive image internationally. He expressed confidence that foreign participants would return to their respective countries as ambassadors of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General of Germany observed that cultural festivals of this nature strengthen connections among different civilisations and cultures and provide opportunities to understand one another better. The acting British Deputy High Commissioner appreciated Pakistani culture, particularly Qawwali, describing it as a distinctive cultural identity of Pakistan.

The Consul General of Oman appreciated the hosting of the reception at Governor House, describing Karachi as a city of dreams where he felt at home. He praised the people of Karachi for their hospitality and generosity and termed the World Culture Festival a wonderful event that all participants were thoroughly enjoying.

The Inspector General of Sindh Police welcomed the participants and stated that the festival was presenting Karachi’s peaceful and positive image to the world. He assured the guests that comprehensive security arrangements would be provided to international visitors during their visits to Karachi and other parts of the country.

Concluding his address, Governor Hashmi thanked all guests and participants, stating that their presence in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, was a source of great pleasure. He remarked that such cultural festivals provide people from different countries with opportunities to learn about one another’s traditions, values and cultures. He expressed hope that these connections would further strengthen friendship, mutual trust and cooperation between Pakistan and countries around the world.