KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that Salaam Karachi Festival has successfully showcased Karachi’s vibrant identity and demonstrated the strong bond between citizens and their metropolis.

“Karachi belongs to all of us. Its future depends on our shared efforts, and its progress and prosperity remain our common mission,” he said while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 15-day event here at Frere Hall on Monday.

He also paid glowing tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and martyrs, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of the country’s peace, stability and progress, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener, safer and more inclusive Karachi.

“The brave sons and daughters of Pakistan who laid down their lives for the defence of our homeland are our national heroes. Their sacrifices safeguarded our freedom, protected our sovereignty and strengthened our resolve as a nation,” he said.

15-day Salaam Karachi Festival concludes

The ceremony, held in connection with Defence Day observances, marked the culmination of a citywide festival that celebrated Karachi’s culture, diversity, heritage and community spirit through a series of cultural, literary, sporting and recreational activities, said a press release issued on Monday.

Referring to Salaam Karachi, he noted that the enthusiastic participation of families, women, youth, artists, performers and civil society organisations reflected growing public confidence in community and cultural activities.

Congratulating the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad and the organising team, Mr Shah said the festival had projected a positive image of Karachi and highlighted its diversity, resilience and creative potential.

The chief minister reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure, public services, parks, sports facilities, cultural institutions and recreational spaces across the metropolis.

He said the government’s vision was to ensure that development reached every part of the city, from Lyari and Malir to Korangi, Clifton, Orangi and Gulshan-i-Hadeed, enabling all citizens to benefit from Karachi’s growth and opportunities.

Mr Shah emphasised that the success of Salaam Karachi demonstrated what could be achieved when government institutions, local authorities, civil society and citizens worked together towards a common goal.

He also expressed the hope that Salaam Karachi would continue to grow in the coming years and become a permanent feature of the city’s cultural calendar.

Earlier, the ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by presentations highlighting the significance of Defence Day and tributes to Pakistan’s armed forces, including a special “Salaam Sipahi” segment and commemorative video.

Participants were also shown an audio-visual presentation featuring activities held during the festival, while cultural performances, including the Salaam Karachi theme song, entertained the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Wahab said the success of Salaam Karachi reflected the city’s desire for positive engagement and community participation. “Karachi is not merely a city; it is Pakistan’s economic, social and national identity. When Karachi progresses, Pakistan progresses,” he said.

The mayor said the objective of the festival was to project Karachi’s positive image and provide opportunities for families, artists, athletes and young people to celebrate their city.

“We want the world to see Karachi for its talent, resilience, diversity and potential. Salaam Karachi has demonstrated that our city is vibrant, peaceful and full of promise,” he added.

Mr Wahab said Karachi’s strength lay in its inclusiveness and collective ownership, adding that every citizen had a role to play in shaping the city’s future.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2026