Karachi is preparing to welcome artists from around the world as the third edition of the World Culture Festival returns from October 29 to November 22, 2026. Organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, the festival aims to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and strengthen its international artistic connections.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has pledged support for the upcoming event, describing it as an opportunity to highlight the city’s positive image. He shared his views with journalists on Wednesday evening after visiting Burns Garden and Baradari, also known as Polo Ground. Both venues will host some of the festival’s major programmes.
World Culture Festival 2026 to Celebrate Karachi
Mayor Wahab emphasised the importance of art and culture in building a healthy and dignified society. He also praised the Arts Council for promoting Karachi on the international cultural stage.
“I think the part that the Arts Council has played in putting the city of Karachi on the [world] cultural map must be praised and appreciated. Karachi last year hosted the event. Artists from all over the world came here to perform. It’s a matter of honour for any city if people from all across the globe come to it. It provides an opportunity to that particular city to showcase itself and to portray its positive image.”
The mayor said the festival would officially begin on October 29, bringing international artists to Karachi for a celebration of culture and creativity.
“It’ll be a moment to celebrate our city. It’ll be a moment to welcome international artists to the city and let them know that Karachi is the city of peace, this province is the province of peace, this country is the country of peace. We will provide all support to the council. I myself will be here with my team alongside the council’s President Ahmed Shah.”
He also congratulated the Arts Council and participating artists ahead of the event, encouraging residents to focus on celebrating Karachi and its artistic activities.
“Let us focus on celebrating our city. Let us celebrate the art that will be happening. I congratulate in advance the council and all the artists who are coming to Karachi.”
Burns Garden and Baradari to Host Major Festival Events
The upcoming festival will also highlight Karachi’s public spaces and historic properties. During his visit, Mayor Wahab expressed support for opening public areas that had previously remained closed.
He referred to a recent qawwali event organised at Burns Garden with the Arts Council’s assistance. This year, organisers will use both Burns Garden and Baradari for festival activities.
The mayor said he wanted visitors to experience the city’s heritage and public spaces alongside its cultural programmes. Consequently, the festival will offer an opportunity to showcase these locations to local residents and international guests.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at Burns Garden, according to Arts Council President Ahmed Shah.
Arts Council Receives Support From Sindh Government
Arts Council President Ahmed Shah said his team had been working with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for approximately one month to prepare for the festival.
He praised Mayor Wahab for visiting the venues and extending his support to the event. Shah also highlighted the involvement of the Sindh government and the chief minister’s personal interest in the festival.
“He [Wahab] is a very dynamic mayor. The festival is the biggest in the world. The province of Sindh has taken ownership of the event. The chief minister of Sindh takes personal interest in it. I wanted to thank the mayor for visiting the venues and extending his support. The opening event will take place at Burns Garden,” he said.
With preparations underway, the World Culture Festival 2026 is expected to bring international artists and cultural activities to Karachi. Moreover, the event will give the city an opportunity to present its artistic heritage and public spaces to a global audience.
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