On Day 4 of Lok Mela 2025 the festival grounds buzzed with energy as an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors — families, students, artisans, tourists and culture enthusiasts — explored Pakistan’s rich folk traditions. The scale of attendance underlined Lok Mela’s role as a leading platform for regional arts and crafts in Islamabad.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Natalia A. Baker made a notable visit, touring numerous artisan stalls and meeting folk craftsmen and performers. Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Muhammad Waqas Saleem accompanied the Ambassador, explaining the stories behind the exhibits, artisan techniques and the cultural significance of Lok Mela to local communities and national heritage.
The evening programme at the Open Air Theatre featured the Lok Virsa Cultural Fusion Night, where artists from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir joined in a collaborative performance. Regional rhythms, traditional instruments and dance forms were woven together into a fusion presentation that received sustained applause and highlighted cultural unity across provinces.
Throughout the day visitors engaged deeply with the festival: artisan stalls showcased handcrafted goods, regional food courts offered local flavours, cultural pavilions displayed heritage, and live craft demonstrations and storytelling sessions brought traditions to life. Folk theatre segments and children’s activities added family-friendly appeal while media teams, influencers and cultural bloggers provided steady coverage of Lok Mela highlights.
Lok Mela continues to attract both local residents and visitors from across the country as it runs until 16 November 2025, open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The event reinforces Lok Virsa’s mission to preserve and promote Pakistan’s diverse cultural expressions and invites Islamabad’s communities to experience the depth of regional artistry.
