The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a mega musical concert for its members to celebrate the extraordinary success of its 39-day “World Culture Festival 2025,” which saw the number of participating countries reach 142, featuring a performance by the world-renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
According to a statement issued by the Arts Council of Pakistan on Monday, thousands of people, including Arts Council members and their families, attended the event held at the YMCA Ground. Chief Secretary Sindh, Syed Asif Hyder Shah, attended the celebration as the chief guest.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mesmerized the large audience by starting his performance with the hamd “Allah Hu.” He then performed popular works of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, including “Dam Mast Qalandar” and “Akhiyan Udeek Diyan,” which made the audience sway to his melodious voice.
The President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, described the occasion as “a day of Eid” for the members. Highlighting the key role of the provincial administration, he said, “We cannot move an inch without the support of the Sindh government,” and mentioned that the Chief Secretary personally oversaw the security arrangements during the festival.
In his remarks, Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah praised the festival’s expansion from 44 participating countries last year to 142 this year, and predicted a further increase to 190 countries next year. He added, “This concert is a gift from Ahmed Shah and the Sindh government.”
Several officials of the Arts Council were also present that evening, including Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi, and Treasurer Qudsia Akbar, along with several members of the governing body.
As a token of gratitude, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented a shield to Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah for the successful organization of the World Culture Festival, and also honored him with the traditional gifts of an Ajrak and a Sindhi cap.