Literary Spirit Peaks on Third Day of 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference

By: Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: Literary activities reached their zenith on the third day of the four-day 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 – Jashan-e-Pakistan, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. The day featured 22 diverse sessions, including the launch of eight books, interactive sessions with Tehzeeb Hafi and Umair Najmi, a theatre performance, and a grand Aalmi Mushaira in memory of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, which drew a large and appreciative audience.

Sessions covered a wide range of subjects such as Urdu Ghazal and Novel, regional literatures and cultures including Pashtun and Punjabi Adab, Urdu in Japan, Kashmir’s Resistance Literature, Climate Change and Pakistan’s Challenges, Education Standards, Music and Changing Trends, Cinema’s Journey, and commemorative sessions on literary greats including Intizar Hussain, Jaun Elia, and Mirza Ghalib.

A major highlight of the day was Pirzada Salman’s theatre play “Jaun Aur Main”, which explored the enigmatic personality of renowned poet Jaun Elia. The short yet impactful performance was warmly received and earned enthusiastic applause from the audience.

In the session “Bazeecha-e-Atfal Hai Duniya Mere Aage”, held in connection with Mirza Ghalib’s birth anniversary, Firasat Rizvi noted that records critical of Ghalib still exist in Delhi Museum archives. He said Ghalib spent much of his life in conflict with his era, adding that criticism—both justified and unjustified—played a role in shaping his literary evolution.

The session “Koi To Phool Khilaye” featured a conversation between Senator Faisal Subzwari and Iftikhar Arif, where Arif reflected on his poetic journey, association with Radio Pakistan, and the creative impact of migration on human thought and literature.

In the Punjabi Literature and Culture session, speakers including Sarwat Mohiuddin, Zia-ul-Hassan, Rakhshanda Naveed, and Bina Goindi paid tribute to iconic Punjabi and revolutionary writers and poets such as Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Amrita Pritam, Habib Jalib, Mansha Yaad, and others.

The session “Mausmiati Tabdeeli, Pakistan Ko Darpaish Buhran” highlighted environmental challenges facing the country. Speakers warned that administrative failures, lack of environmental education, and misinformation are exacerbating Pakistan’s water and climate crises.

Renowned musicians Arshad Mahmood, Tina Sani, Shareef Awan, Salman Alvi, and Azhar Hussain spoke in the session “Mausiki Ka Safar Aur Badalte Rujhanat”, lamenting the lack of recognition for artists and emphasizing music’s role in cultural and intellectual awareness.

The education-focused session “Hamara Taleemi Mayar” addressed the declining standards of education, with speakers stressing the need to value teachers and strengthen institutional frameworks.

Sessions on Kashmir’s Resistance Literature, New Voices of the Younger Generation, and Pakistan’s Film Journey also drew significant interest, with prominent poets, writers, actors, and filmmakers sharing insights and paying tribute to legends of Pakistani cinema.

A special commemorative session titled “Mitti Mein Chiragh Rakh Diya Hai” honored Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. Speakers described her as a true leader deeply connected to the people, highlighting her enduring legacy and unparalleled bond with the masses of Sindh.

The day concluded with a grand Aalmi Mushaira presided over by Iftikhar Arif, where leading poets from across the country paid heartfelt tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto through their poetry, bringing an emotionally charged close to a vibrant and intellectually rich day of the conference.