AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers. Cultural extravaganzas, therefore, hold significance as they give prominence to a nation’s heritage and openness to diversity. A recreation-starved Karachi recently became the venue of World Culture Festival 2024, with artists and musicians from 40 countries exhibiting a mosaic of customs and art forms. The vibrant event sent a wave of enthusiasm across the city, providing people from diverse backgrounds a much-needed opportunity to revel in 35 days of creative expression ranging from music to theatre to poetry. After a long time, Karachi took centre stage as the melting pot of communities, languages, traditions and customs. A crucial aspect of such festivals is the role they play in promoting social harmony, awareness and acceptance, as well as preserving heritage, which is often eclipsed by the complexities of urban life.

There is little doubt about the need for cultural festivals to imbue a sense of fraternity in Pakistani communities and to dismantle the world’s prejudiced perceptions of the country. Besides, our gasping economy can do with cultural tourism and the monetary rewards that come with tourists and performers. Frequent intercultural discourse revives forgotten artists, brings undiscovered talent to the fore, and projects a shared identity, cultural cohesion and an unbiased social structure. When the ideal of unity in diversity dominates, the state and citizens reap the dividends. Pakistan must make itself a cultural hotspot to salvage its volatile image. In addition, exposure to assorted cultural activity is informative, changes orthodox mindsets, improves mental health, and most importantly, gives a voice to the powerless. The relevance of cultural consistencies can no longer be lost on lawmakers because development and modernisation are critical to Pakistan’s progress. Integrating culture into the development sector is mandatory for more informed policies.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2024