The 32nd day of the ongoing World Culture Festival 2025 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi witnessed the inauguration of the School of Visual and Performing Arts Building by Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah. President Arts Council Mohammad Ahmed Shah accompanied the Chief Minister during the ceremony.
The event was attended by Consul General of Japan in Karachi, HATTORI Masaru, Consul General of Iraq, Provincial Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, senior political leader Nisar Khuhro, Provincial Minister for Labour & Human Resources Saeed Ghani, Secretary Arts Council Ejaz Farooqi, Treasurer Qudsia Akbar, Joint Secretary and renowned writer Noor-ul-Huda Shah, Chairperson Women Empowerment Chand Gul Shah, along with international artists. Chief Minister Sindh was welcomed with a vibrant dhol performance by Punjabi musician Fazal Jutt and his group.
During the Art Schools’ Building Visit, President Mohammad Ahmed Shah briefed the Chief Minister on the departments established within the School of Visual and Performing Arts, including Fine Arts, Communication, Textile Design, Music, Theatre, and Dance. The Chief Minister also met members of Singapore’s Maya Dance Company, including children with Down syndrome, as well as other international performers participating in the festival.
The ceremony formally commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.
Speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated Ahmed Shah for organising a festival “even bigger than last year.” He noted that the inauguration of the Visual and Performing Arts building marks a major milestone and announced that the Arts School would soon be granted university status. He added, “Ahmed Shah asked for support, and we extended it. The closing ceremony of the World Culture Festival will be held on December 7. The Sindh Government has always supported the Arts Council. This achievement is the result of Ahmed Shah’s relentless efforts. I welcome artists from around the world, including children with Down syndrome. This is one of the world’s major stages where you are performing.
I am grateful that this festival has restored the vibrancy of the city of lights.” In his welcome address, President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, thanked all participants and praised the outstanding performance of the Down syndrome children’s dance group from Singapore. He acknowledged the continuous support of the Sindh Government and highlighted that despite undertaking extensive work, the Council seldom promoted its efforts publicly.
He shared that thousands of children in the province had received free education through the Arts Council. With the financial assistance of the Sindh Government, the Council constructed this new building, expanded underground spaces, utilised rooftops, and restored the old structure. “Classes were once scattered across ten different locations. Our School of Art was the first art institution in Pakistan after the NCA. At that time, the Arts Council premises were occupied by various entities, including cafés and bookstores, which were vacated. With some government support and our own funds, we engaged international engineers and rebuilt the foundation of this building,” he said.
Ahmed Shah explained that every brick of the building reflects creativity. The Picture of renowned artist Sadequain on one side and the Arts Council logo on the other Side of the Art School building adds to the beauty of this historic structure. Addressing the Chief Minister, he mentioned that French and Swedish artists had painted mural art on two walls of the building. “A large number of artists are participating in the festival. I am grateful to the artist community for their contributions, including funding. Sindh Government’s institutions are supporting us, and security agencies deserve appreciation for their excellent work.”
He added that Karachi had transformed into a cultural hub, with international artists conducting workshops in theatre, art, music, and dance. Students from universities across Sindh were also participating. “The whole world is talking about this festival. Together with the Sindh Government, we have achieved what no other country has accomplished. This festival is unlike any other in the world,” he concluded. As part of the 32nd day’s schedule, three films were screened: two from Italy, “Paperheart” and “Everything is Fine” and one Pakistani film, “Tu Mera Dost”. Zeeshan Haider Nalwala’s theatre play “Either Way” was also staged, featuring Rana Haider, Zulfiqar Ghori, Kainat Muhammad, and Hussain Falak, focusing on the struggles of a couple estranged from their families due to a marriage against family wishes.
Azerbaijan presented the theatre play “My Mother’s Book”, written by Jalil Mammad Guluzadeh and directed by Irada Gozalova. Centred on the character of a mother, the play promotes national and moral values, urging her sons to embrace their mother tongue and unity. The day concluded with a mesmerising musical performance by Chilean artist Vicente, who captivated the audience with his masterful guitar skills.
