KARACHI: The World Culture Festival is underway at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, featuring artists from over 140 countries. Yet, it is the return of Bangladeshi artists after 18 years that has captured the spotlight, marking a significant revival in cultural ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Shireen Jawad’s Soulful Performance Wins Hearts
Renowned Bangladeshi singer Shireen Jawad mesmerized audiences with her moving performance. Visiting Pakistan for the first time, Jawad said the experience felt deeply personal. “When I landed at the airport, it felt like I was in my own country,” she said, praising Pakistan’s warmth and hospitality.
Originally planning to sing a Sufi composition, Jawad performed her Bengali songs “Soulful and Spiritual” from her album Punjabi Wala and Mathawali, a romantic piece about love, the moon, and emotional reflection.
“It’s symbolic — a reconnection long overdue,” she said. “Art has brought Pakistan and Bangladesh together again, and that is powerful.”
Art as a Bridge Between Nations
Visual artist Neharika Mumtaz, founder of Bangladesh Art Week, showcased striking works exploring Bangladeshi heritage, femininity, and traditional motifs. She described the Arts Council’s invitation as a “meaningful opportunity” to share Bangladesh’s creative diversity.
“We have always believed in cultural exchange,” Mumtaz said. “This festival allows us to present Bangladesh’s vibrant art and spirit to Pakistani audiences.”
Both artists expressed hope that this renewed artistic connection would lead to more collaborations and lasting cultural dialogue between the two nations.
