KARACHI: The third day of the 25-day 3rd World Culture Festival Karachi 2026, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, brought together workshops, a panel discussion, a film screening and concerts, with a music night featuring artists from across Pakistan drawing the loudest appreciation.
The day opened with a live calligraphy workshop in the Arts Council lobby, where calligrapher Fatemah Houseyn, associated with Iran and the UAE, introduced students of the Arts Council’s Art School to the basic techniques of the craft.
An international panel, “ARTFELT: CONVERSATIONS,” brought artists from different countries together to discuss ongoing wars, the impact of artificial intelligence on artists, and the role of art in society. Serbian artist Alexander said art was not given the value it deserved within the current system and must have its own place in building a democratic society. Singaporean artist Sherene Joseph said art could transcend politics and all forms of discrimination, while Ethiopian artist Kaleab said it had the power to heal. The Polish artist noted that festivals like this help people step out of their own bubbles.
Music enthusiasts attended a Daf workshop led by members of the international group MTO Zendeh Delan, whose members come from the UK, France, Switzerland, Canada and Germany. They introduced participants to the traditional instrument and techniques of Sufi and traditional music. Sherene Joseph also conducted a Mohiniyattam workshop, explaining that the classical dance form originated in Kerala and means “Dance of the Enchantress.” The Pakistani film “Zombied” was also screened.
The day ended with two musical performances. MTO Zendeh Delan presented “Journey of Love – Leyla & Majnun,” while the concert “Sounds of Sohni Dharti” featured Akhtar Chanal (Balochi), Fazal Jutt (Punjabi), Bano Rehmat (Kashmiri), Nabeel Abbas (Saraiki), Maham Tahir (Urdu), Shahina Ali (Sindhi) and Basharat Khan Rubab (Pashto), along with a folk music performance from Gilgit. The artists showcased Pakistan’s diversity of cultures, languages and musical traditions to tremendous appreciation from the audience.
