Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi has chaired a high-level meeting at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi to review preparations for the Third World Culture Festival Karachi 2026, scheduled to run from October 29 to November 22.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Karachi administration, security agencies, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), town administrations, Civil Defence and other civic institutions. Participants agreed to coordinate efforts to ensure the festival runs smoothly and presents a positive image of Karachi and Pakistan to international visitors.
The festival is being organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in collaboration with the Government of Sindh.
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Commissioner Naqvi directed all relevant institutions to fulfil their responsibilities in line with the instructions of the chief minister and chief secretary of Sindh. He said international guests should leave Pakistan with a positive and lasting impression of the country.
Security and City Beautification
The commissioner directed deputy commissioners, police and the Special Security Unit (SSU) to ensure comprehensive security arrangements throughout the festival.
KMC and town municipal administrations will also undertake special measures to improve cleanliness, beautify public spaces and decorate major routes and areas surrounding festival venues.
Officials discussed plans to install festival-related branding, advertisements and hoardings across the city to highlight Karachi’s cultural attractions and international connections.
The arrangements will also cover the movement of foreign delegates between the airport, festival venues and other destinations across the city.
International Artists and Cultural Activities
Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah briefed the commissioner on the festival programme and preparations for visiting artists.
According to Shah, more than 1,000 artists from over 150 countries are expected to visit Karachi, alongside more than 500 local artists from across Pakistan.
The programme is expected to include theatre groups and musicians from the United States, Iran, Russia and Latin America, among other participants.
Shah described the festival as an internationally recognised cultural event and said artists from Pakistan and abroad were keen to participate.
He added that arrangements were underway to provide visiting performers with suitable reception and accommodation facilities. He also thanked the Sindh government and the administration for their cooperation.
The festival is intended to promote cultural exchange, strengthen international engagement and showcase Pakistan’s artistic diversity.
Visits to Educational and Historical Sites
The meeting discussed plans to take international guests to scenic, historical and culturally significant locations across Karachi.
Proposed destinations include the University of Karachi, NED University of Engineering and Technology, SZABIST and other educational institutions.
Delegates will also be taken to the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to highlight Pakistan’s history and cultural heritage.
Officials said special arrangements would be made to decorate routes and improve cleanliness around key destinations.
The meeting also decided to involve a large number of school students in the festival. The Arts Council is coordinating with the Education Department to prepare an organised participation plan.
Dedicated Facilitation Desk at Arts Council
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso will oversee administrative support and coordination for programmes and related arrangements at the Arts Council.
A dedicated facilitation desk will be established at the venue under his supervision to assist organisers and visiting guests.
The meeting was attended by Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso, KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jafar, the director of Civil Defence, senior police and SSU officials, and representatives of cantonment boards. Other deputy commissioners and officials joined through video link.
Fire Safety Measures Reviewed
Officials also reviewed fire safety arrangements at the Arts Council and other buildings being used for festival activities.
The meeting decided to conduct fire safety audits of the Arts Council building and all other festival venues under the supervision of the deputy commissioner south.
Commissioner Naqvi directed the deputy commissioner and the director of Civil Defence to coordinate with the Arts Council to ensure that appropriate safety measures were in place.
These measures include the availability of firefighting equipment, accessible emergency exits, clearly marked entry and exit points, and compliance with relevant safety protocols.
The administration said coordination among civic bodies, security agencies and festival organisers would remain central to preparations for the event.
