LAHORE, Nov 18: A special show in connection with the World Performing Arts Festival was held here at the Alhamra Cultural Complex on Friday evening. The formal opening of the 10-day festival, which has been organized by the Rafi Peer Theatre, will take place on Saturday (today). Seven performances of dance, music and puppetry by Pakistani and foreign artistes were shown in the show on Friday.

Some 13 shows in all disciplines of art will feature everyday. About 500 performers from 40 countries and 1,000 local will demonstrate their skills.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Khalid Maqbool said the government fully supported such events as were a tool to improve the country’s image.

Sponsors Mobilink president Zohair A Khaliq said that 30 per cent income of the festival would go to earthquake victims. He said the company had already donated Rs100 million.

Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop director Usman Peerzada also spoke.