18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025: "Jashan-e-Pakistan" to Begin from December 25

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi recently held a significant press conference at Auditorium II to announce the details of the four-day 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025, themed “Jashan-e-Pakistan.” The event will kick off on December 25 (Thursday) and continue until December 28 at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. The briefing was attended by key figures such as President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, renowned poetess Zehra Nigah, intellectual and educationist Prof. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Vice President Munawar Saeed, Joint Secretary Noor-ul-Huda Shah, and Secretary Arts Council Ejaz Farooqi, along with a large number of journalists.

In his address, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed immense pride in announcing the start of the 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference, which has become a cornerstone of literary gatherings in the country. He emphasized that the conference will not only celebrate Urdu literature but also honor the rich literary heritage of Pakistan, encompassing its regional languages. This year’s conference will feature a special focus on Pakistan's literature from 1947 to the present, with dedicated sessions celebrating prominent poets, novelists, and short story writers.

Shah also shared his deep gratitude for the media, which has supported cultural festivals like the World Culture Festival. He acknowledged that the role of the media is crucial in spreading the message of peace and culture globally, noting that, even though organizing countless festivals may never be enough, every effort to promote Pakistan's literary and cultural identity is vital.

Reflecting on the inception of the International Urdu Conference 18 years ago, Shah highlighted how it emerged during a period of severe ethnic violence in Karachi, serving as a bridge for dialogue through literature. He also noted that alongside Urdu, the conference would also highlight Pakistan’s regional languages, giving them due respect. Shah pointed out that despite political tensions with India, over a hundred writers from the neighboring country expressed their desire to participate, but diplomatic relations led to non-invitation.

The conference will feature several sessions focusing on contemporary issues such as the impact of Artificial Intelligence on literature and the global challenge of climate change. Two international mushairas (poetry recitals) will be held, and performances by Ayaz Fareed and Abu Muhammad Qawwal will add to the cultural vibrancy. Special sessions will also commemorate departed literary giants, further cementing the conference’s status as an international cultural event.

President Shah also recalled the tragic APS Peshawar attack of December 16, 2014, where 130 innocent children and 19 teachers were martyred. He drew parallels with the ongoing human rights crisis in Gaza, honoring the martyrs and reaffirming Pakistan’s collective resolve in the face of terror.

Renowned poetess Zehra Nigah, in her remarks, emphasized the pivotal role of literature and language in fostering societal ethics. She called Urdu the "link language" in Pakistan and praised the conference as an important cultural bridge that unites different linguistic communities. Nigah highlighted that the conference’s inclusive approach promotes respect for all forms of literature across Pakistan, from Sindhi and Punjabi to Pashto and Balochi.

Vice President Munawar Saeed expressed his confidence that the conference would be a resounding success, lauding the leadership and vision of Muhammad Ahmed Shah. He praised the focus on youth engagement, recognizing the positive impact of literary activities on the intellectual and moral development of the younger generation.

Prof. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, a distinguished educationist and intellectual, described the conference as both historic and globally recognized. He noted that its influence extends beyond Pakistan, with substantial participation from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He particularly appreciated the Arts Council's efforts to ensure the involvement of youth in such cultural initiatives.

Joint Secretary Noor-ul-Huda Shah praised the Arts Council's commitment to sustaining the conference despite the challenges posed by the city’s violence in the past. She emphasized the significance of the conference’s continuity, stating that Karachi remains a hub of culture and literature, with the Arts Council playing a key role in its revival.

Secretary Ejaz Farooqi acknowledged the monumental achievement of organizing the International Urdu Conference year after year, crediting the visionary leadership of Muhammad Ahmed Shah. He highlighted that the conference has gained recognition as one of the largest and most prestigious Urdu literary events in the world.

The 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference promises to be an enriching celebration of Pakistan’s literary culture, continuing to inspire new generations of writers, poets, and thinkers. As the conference approaches, anticipation is building for the intellectual and cultural exchange that will take place at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi from December 25 to 28.