We are very pleased to welcome the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi as a new Affiliate Member of the Federation.

Established in 1954, the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi (ACPKHI) is one of the country’s oldest and most prominent institutions for arts and culture. With a mission to foster artistic innovation, cultural preservation, and social engagement, the Council serves as a vibrant platform for creative expression and dialogue. 

Located in Karachi, the Council offers a wide range of purpose-built venues, including theatres, studios, galleries, a library, classrooms, and its dedicated School of Visual and Performing Arts (SOVAPA). Each year, it hosts more than 500 cultural and educational events — from theatrical productions and art exhibitions to literature festivals and international conferences. 

The Council is also home to major national festivals such as the Pakistan Literature Festival, the Pakistan Theatre Festival, and the Aalmi Urdu Conference — Pakistan’s leading platform for literary exchange in Urdu and regional languages. These programmes support artistic excellence, intercultural dialogue, and increased access to the arts across the country.

In 2024, ACPKHI hosted the landmark World Culture Festival – Karachi, a record-breaking 38-day international gathering of artists, cultural troupes, and delegations from 44 countries, attended by nearly one million visitors. The festival reinforced Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy efforts and provided a platform for global collaboration, peacebuilding, and mutual understanding. The second chapter of the festival is now set to take place from 31 October to 7 December 2025. 

The Council is equally committed to inclusivity, regularly organising programmes that empower youth, women, minorities, and underrepresented communities through arts education, training, and access. 

With a deep belief in art as a force for unity and progress, the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi continues to position itself as a leading voice in the Global South — building bridges through creativity and shared cultural values.