The three-day Balochistan festival opened today at Lok Virsa Islamabad with a formal inauguration by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. The event aims to bring the province’s rich cultural traditions to a wider national and international audience through live performances, visual art and discussion forums.
The festival was announced at a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad by Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Nawabzada Mir Mohammad Zarin Khan Magsi, joined by Secretary Tourism Balochistan Sohail ur Rehman and other officials. They said the Balochistan festival is designed to showcase the province’s cultural wealth and to present a positive image of Balochistan to visitors and media.
Organised jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, PTDC and Lok Virsa, the festival marks the first time these bodies have combined efforts to stage a multi-day Balochistan festival in the federal capital. Officials stressed that the government’s role is to set policy and provide facilities while artists and cultural institutions deliver the programme.
Visitors can expect performances by folk artists, theatre pieces that convey regional stories, exhibitions displaying Balochistan artwork, and panel discussions featuring prominent personalities. Secretary Sohail ur Rehman noted that this is the 39th programme they have arranged within their available budget, underlining a focus on resourceful cultural promotion.
Organisers also announced plans to take the festival to Karachi and other cities after the Islamabad run, so larger audiences across Pakistan can experience the Balochistan festival. Officials said greater collaboration between the federal and provincial governments will help resolve many challenges and enhance cultural outreach.
Authorities expect visitors to enjoy the cultural showcase while the initiative seeks to highlight Balochistan’s vibrant traditions and creative talent on a national stage.
