Although the country observes one standard time, there seems to be a visible difference of pace between Lahore and Karachi. The former is entrenched in the glorious heritage of the Mughal past, while the latter is continuously responding to the demand of current conditions. Yet 2024 witnessed how the two cities—poles apart in every area of life, culture, and politics—did converge on one point: the impending climate crisis. 

Both the Lahore Biennale 03, “Of Mountains and Seas,” which was curated by John Tain, and the fourth Karachi Biennale, “Rizq/Risk: Food, Futures & Fair Practices,” curated by Waheeda Baloch, dealt with the issues of the environment, ecosystems, and sustainability in their themes, choice of artists, and the selection of works. “Of Mountains and Seas” featured more than 60 artists from over 30 countries, who exhibited across a dozen venues in the city including Lahore Fort in the Walled City and the Shalimar Gardens. The Biennale concluded with a Climate Congress, led by Tain and scholar Iftikhar Dadi. In Karachi, more than 40 participants from ten countries looked at aspects of food culture and the role of women. Concerns about the drying up of natural resources, the importance of indigenous modes of existence, and the survival of nature’s harmony were concepts underlying these Biennales as well as several exhibitions throughout the year in Lahore and Karachi.