Islamabad: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi is set to host a massive World Culture Festival 2025, featuring over 800 artists from 102 nations. The 39-day extravaganza, starting October 30th and ending December 7th, was announced at a press conference led by Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah and renowned vocalist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The event, initially delayed due to the Pakistan-India conflict and heavy downpours, will showcase performers from across the globe, including 31 African, 30 Asian, and 26 European countries, along with representatives from Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and several South Asian nations. Visual artists from 20 countries will also participate.

This year’s festival expands beyond music, theater, and dance to incorporate film, showcasing iconic Pakistani performers like Faqir Zulfiqar, Akbar Khamiso Khan, Mai Dhai, and Sanam Marvi. The closing ceremony on December 7th will feature a tribute to the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by his nephew, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, originally planned for September 6th but rescheduled due to Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The Arts Council also announced the launch of a Film Academy in January 2026. President Shah expressed gratitude to the Sindh Government for their support, particularly with security.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan praised the initiative and thanked the Arts Council and Sindh government for the opportunity, referencing successful concerts in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Karachi. He also disclosed plans by the Sindh Government to establish NFAK and RFAK academies in Karachi and Lahore for vocal training, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s artistic talent.