18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 Concludes with Grand Celebration of Literature and Arts

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The four-day 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 – Jashan-e-Pakistan, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, concluded with a vibrant and memorable finale at the YMCA Ground, celebrating the rich diversity of literature, culture, and fine arts. The concluding session was presided over by renowned poet Iftikhar Arif, while Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah attended as the chief guest.

A large number of prominent literary figures, intellectuals, and cultural personalities were present on the stage, including Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Khurshid Rizvi, Nasir Abbas Nayyar, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Hameed Shahid, Ghazi Salahuddin, Abaseen Yousafzai, Zia-ul-Hassan, Yousaf Khushk, Ejaz Farooqi, Syed Naqvi, Fatima Hasan, Adil Soomro, and Munawar Saeed. On the occasion, renowned scholar of Arabic and Urdu literature Professor Syed Khurshid Hasan Rizvi was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding services to literature.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah said that literature and language are passing through challenging times, as the number of people connected with cultural activities is gradually declining. He paid rich tribute to Muhammad Ahmed Shah, stating that with a small team, he transformed the Arts Council into an “Art City.” “Whenever I feel burdened, I come to the Arts Council, as the environment here carries the fragrance of freedom,” he remarked. He added that organizing a 40-day World Culture Festival followed immediately by the Aalmi Urdu Conference required extraordinary commitment and passion. He assured full cooperation from the Sindh government in implementing resolutions presented by the Arts Council and stressed the importance of reviving a culture of book reading among children.

Speaking on the occasion, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that holding the Aalmi Urdu Conference right after the World Culture Festival was an extremely challenging task, made possible by the tireless efforts of the entire team. He thanked scholars and intellectuals who participated from across Pakistan and around the world. He said the beauty of the Urdu language lies in its ability to unite diverse minds on one platform, thereby strengthening the federation. “If cultural work is happening anywhere in Pakistan, it is in Sindh,” he said, adding that Sindh represents progress for all communities, including Pashtuns, Punjabis, Baloch, Gilgitis, and Saraikis. He emphasized that a nation’s identity is shaped by its culture and civilization and called for greater federal support for cultural activities across the country.

Renowned poet Iftikhar Arif, in his address, said he had not witnessed any other institution where so many important cultural streams converge under one roof. He stressed the need to strengthen literary and cultural ties with neighboring countries, stating that conflicts and distances cannot be resolved through war or military force, but through dialogue and the promotion of a culture of conversation.

On the fourth and final day, sessions were held on a wide range of topics including Urdu Afsana, Progressive Literature in Pakistan, Poetry and Criticism, Balochi Literature and Culture, Pakistan’s Economic Situation, Sindhi Literature and Criticism, Jameel-ud-Din Aali’s 100 Years, Nasir Kazmi’s 100 Years, Pakistani Sports Champions, Saeed Naqvi’s Short Stories, Urdu Poetry’s Unique Experiments, the Evolution of Painting in Pakistan, and interactions with Imran Ashraf and new-generation poets. In addition, sixteen books were launched on the final day.

The conference concluded with a mesmerizing “Aahang-e-Khusrawi – Qawwali” performance at the YMCA Ground, where renowned qawwals Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad enthralled thousands of attendees. The grand finale marked a memorable conclusion to the four-day Aalmi Urdu Conference, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for Pakistan’s literary and cultural heritage.