The closing ceremony of the 38-day “World Culture Festival Karachi,” organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, was held at YMCA park.
The event began with the national anthem. It was attended by a large number of national and international artists, including the President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, renowned scholar and humorist Anwar Maqsood, chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah and famous singers Asim Azhar, Akhtar Chanal, and noted poet Tehzeeb Hafi.At this occasion Humorist Anwar Maqsood Remarked that Youth are the assets of our country. I urge the youth not to leave the country. I congratulate the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and Ahmed Shah’s entire team for successfully organizing such a large festival. Ahmed Shah is a brave man.
His hard work has paid off. Only Ahmed Shah could have organized such a massive festival over 38 days. It is Ahmed Shah who can gather so many foreign artists in a safe manner. Ahmed Shah has elevated the Arts Council to new heights.
“President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, addressing the closing ceremony of the World Culture Festival in Karachi. He said that the place where we are seated today is backed by an institution, Arts Council, which you have come to know. If you wish to see more festivals like this, stay connected with the Arts Council. This festival is the result of tireless efforts by my team and me, day and night. My purpose is to serve Pakistan and its flag. I could have left this country, But I chose not to. Whether the richest of the rich or the poorest of the poor, everyone will receive the same respect. I want to work for the youth. I am a middle-class man. I turned a garbage dump into one of the world’s leading institutions. The cultural revolution that has come to the Arts Council has been fully supported by the Sindh Government. People used to say this is a terrorist country, But you are not terrorists. It is us who must save this country. All of you young people are connected with me. The Chief Secretary of Sindh gathered all departments. You all know that protests and sit-ins were happening in Karachi. Despite that, this festival was made possible with the cooperation of the Sindh Government. When there was an explosion at the airport, we safely brought our twenty foreign artists through a secure back route. Anwar Maqsood is mentor to all of us.Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah said that “I pay tribute to Anwar Maqsood, Ahmed Shah, and all my officers for the successful organization of such a large festival. This festival has not only featured international artists but also considered local talent. Having Anwar Maqsood here is a proud moment for me.”
On the final day of the World Culture Festival Karachi, a showreel showcasing the performances of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi was presented. During the event, Anwar Maqsood entertained the audience with his humorous talk, while the mega concert featured performances by singers Asim Azhar, Akhtar Chanal, Arman Rahim, Mustafa Baloch, Muneeb Khan, and Sameer Hamza, who got the audience dancing. Additionally, renowned poet Tehzeeb Hafi received applause from the attendees.
In this the ceremony, famous folk singer Akhtar Chanal was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Moreover, singers Asim Azhar, Azerbaijan’s Dadash Mamedov, Muhammad El-Sawi (Egypt), Madan Gopal (Nepal), the Arnold & Komarov Traveling Theater (Switzerland), Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah, DIG South Zone Syed Asad Raza, and Deputy Commissioner South Captain (R) Altaf H. Sario were presented shields for their outstanding performances. Ceremoney was ended by grand fireworks. The event was moderated by Nauman Khan.
