KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organised a mega musical concert to celebrate the remarkable success of the 39-day World Culture Festival 2025 at the YMCA Ground.

The evening was headlined by internationally acclaimed singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who mesmerised the audience with his soulful voice. Rahat opened the concert with the devotional kalam ‘Allah Hoo’ and went on to perform legendary pieces made famous by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, including ‘Dum Mast Qalandar’ and ‘Akhiyan Udeekdiyan’, compelling the audience to sway and dance along.

Arts Council members thoroughly enjoyed the performance, turning the concert into a night of celebration and joy.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah, while Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah warmly welcomed all guests and members.

Thousands of people attended the musical evening.

Speaking at the concert, Ahmed Shah said: “We invited Rahat Fateh Ali Khan especially for our members. I had invited him for a members’ concert 15 years ago as well. The Sindh government has fully supported us, and without its cooperation, we cannot move forward even an inch.”

The chief secretary, in his remarks, thanked Mr Shah and said that last year artists from 44 countries participated in the World Culture Festival, while this year performers from 142 countries took part.

“I believe that next year artists from 190 countries will participate.”

He said that the concert was a gift from Ahmed Shah and the Sindh government.

At the end of the event, Ahmed Shah presented a shield to the chief secretary in recognition of the successful organisation of the World Culture Festival, along with traditional Sindhi gifts of ajrak and a Sindhi cap.

Among those present were Arts Council Vice President Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Ahmed Farooqi, Treasurer Qudsia Akbar and others.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2025