An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors converged on Lok Virsa on the fourth day of Lok Mela 2025, turning the grounds into a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s folk traditions, music, and craftsmanship. Families, students, artisans and tourists filled the pavilions and open spaces, enjoying regional cuisine and live cultural programmes that reflected national unity.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalia A. Baker toured multiple artisan stalls, spoke with folk craftsmen and watched cultural performances alongside Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Waqas Saleem. The Ambassador praised the diversity of Pakistan’s cultural heritage and the skill of local artisans, while Dr. Saleem briefed her on preservation efforts, the festival’s exhibits and Lok Mela’s role in sustaining indigenous crafts.
The day closed with a Cultural Fusion Night at the Open Air Theatre where artists from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir performed a unified programme that blended regional rhythms and traditional instruments. Energetic dhol beats, expressive folk dances and colourful costumes earned sustained applause as audiences responded to the evening’s message of harmony through art.
Visitors moved between artisan stalls and interactive demonstrations, with the Punjab, Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan pavilions drawing particularly long queues for embroidery, handmade artifacts and craft demonstrations. Folk theatre, storytelling corners and children’s activities offered immersive experiences, and many attendees took part in hands-on sessions that showcased time-honoured techniques.
Media representatives, influencers and cultural bloggers documented the day’s events extensively, amplifying Lok Mela’s message of cultural revival and inclusivity. Organisers expressed satisfaction at the turnout, noting that the festival continues to provide a platform for artists and craftsmen to present their work to audiences from across the country and abroad.
Lok Mela 2025 runs daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Lok Virsa, Shakarparian, Islamabad until 16 November 2025. The festival remains a focal point for cultural exchange and a chance for visitors to experience the living traditions that define Pakistan’s regional diversity.
