KARACHI: The second exhibition at the World Culture Festival 2026 titled Constellations began on Thursday evening at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi’s Ahmed Pervaiz Gallery. Works of 22 Pakistani and six international artists are on display.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah said, “Art goes beyond boundaries, it goes across continents and imagination goes beyond galaxies. That is the beauty of art.”

“This festival has become international. Each year we will increase its magnitude. The focus of the government, rather everybody in Pakistan knows about the event. This one exhibition. There are many more to come. I request everyone to come and visit the programme that have been lined up for the audience,” he said.

Arts Council President Ahmed Shah lauded the role that the chief secretary has played in making the festival possible and in helping the council become an institution that it has now become. He said when Mr Shah became commissioner of Karachi, not only did he change the city but became a force behind the council. “Like us, he believes in inclusivity and pluralism. This is what we at the festival are aiming for.”

Earlier, a live painting workshop conducted by Singapore’s artist Yip Yew Chong attracted a good number of art students and enthusiasts. While painting an image in front of a large audience, he also responded to their queries.

A play for children titled Troy! Stowaways in the Trojan Horse directed by Uzma Sabin was also a well-attended and well-appreciated event.

A play titled Lilith by America’s Anikaya was also lined up for the evening.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026