It was just another Tuesday for the Life&Style desk at The Express Tribune when they visited the Arts Council of Pakistan's press announcement for the World Culture Festival in partnership with the Government of Sindh and Geo Television Network.
After an hour of waiting, making origami out of their notepads and joking about whether or not they might see an A-lister, the conference finally began. President Muhammad Ahmed Shah and other members of the ACP walked in and the last to enter was none other than Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
At this point, it became clear that this was not just any other run of the mill press conference.
“The festival will take place from 30th October to 7th December 2025, spanning for 38 days. It will feature 800 plus artists from more than 100 countries, 30 of which are Asian, 26 are European, 31 African and more than 11 North and Latin American” said Ahmed Shah. "This year along with musicians, dancers and theater actors, for the first time we are featuring painters, sculptors and filmmakers from more than 20 countries."
As the microphone passed to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, he revealed why he was there, "I am very grateful to accept the opportunity to be the first brand ambassador for the World Culture Festival and for the love and support of the Sindh Government,” he said.
The festival’s closing ceremony will feature a special performance by Khan himself at a separate undisclosed venue for members of the ACP, their friends and family, media and other featured artists. “It will be a very dignified event, not for the public,” Shah made sure to let everyone know.
He then shared that the festival was originally slated for the death anniversary of Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan but was delayed due to weather and security concerns, referring to the Palagham attack earlier this year.
This opened up questions about the participation of Indian artists given that artists from other South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal would be in attendance, “Originally, prolific Hindustani writers, filmmakers and theatre folks were attending, but at the time India had not attacked Pakistan.’ said Shah, point blank. “Currently, Pakistan and India do not have any diplomatic ties. Pakistan has always believed in peaceful coexistence and equality for all but if anyone thinks we are powerless or evil, will be unable to accommodate them.”
“Still, we are hopeful there will be a day when artists from around the world, including India, can join but for that to happen its terrorist government needs to learn a lesson,” said Shah.
The conversation then shifted to local representation, with Shah being asked whether the festival would highlight music from regions like Lyari “Artists from Lyari are just as important as those areas like Nagarparkar, Balochistan and KP, and we always ensure inclusion for all,” he said. He reminded the audience that last year's event was the largest cultural festival in the country and showcased performances from folk singers and indigenous musicians from all of the provinces.
Immediately, someone said Sanam Marvi’s name across the room and Shah was quick to respond. “I’m exclusively sharing that Sanam Marvi will be performing at the World Culture Festival.” This unexpected announcement comes after Marvi’s recent legal dispute with Shah following an incident at a Sindh government event in Sukkur earlier this year. Marvi had sent a legal notice accusing Shah of mistreatment and threats during the August 10 concert. The notice led to a back and forth between them, but according to a video posted on her Facebook, the situation has now been resolved, with both parties clearing the air.
In the end, Shah emphasized the importance of arts education, noting how it provides a platform for emerging talent. He mentioned Kaifi Khalil, who gained recognition through performances at ACP events early in his career. “Our media and youth will be heavily involved in putting together this event,” said Shah.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan chimed in, “If there were more academies to train them, we could see another Rahat Fateh Ali Khan emerge,” said Khan.
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