Lahore, 2 February 2026(Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting today with the team representing the Pakistan Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale 2026, the world’s oldest and largest international art exhibition, to be held in Venice, Italy. The meeting was attended by Mr. Najam Sethi, renowned Pakistani artist Ms. Faiza Butt representing the Pakistan Pavilion, Pavilion Curator Ms. Beatriz Cifuentes Feliciano, and Pakistan Pavilion Commissioner Dr. Yaqoob Khan Bangash. During the meeting, the Pakistan Pavilion team briefed the Prime Minister on the concept and objectives of Pakistan’s participation in the Venice Biennale 2026. They informed him that the Pavilion will showcase Pakistan’s traditional art, its distinctive aesthetics, and cultural beauty to an international audience of art lovers, visitors, and tourists from around the world.
The Prime Minister was also apprised that, from May to November 2026, a series of events will be organized under the Pakistan Pavilion, highlighting various dimensions of Pakistan’s culture, heritage, and artistic expression, with the aim of promoting greater global awareness and appreciation. The delegation shared that the Venice Biennale, established in 1895, is the world’s oldest and most prestigious art exhibition, renowned for its diversity, innovation, and creative excellence. Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of projecting Pakistan’s rich history, cultural diversity, and inclusive traditions on international platforms. He underscored the need to use such global forums to present the true, positive, and vibrant image of Pakistan to the world. The delegation also extended a formal invitation to the Prime Minister to attend the inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale 2026.