Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: December 10, 2024 | 
| 中文
Waseem Badami, Muhammad Ahmed Shah and Mahira Khan at the 17th International Urdu Conference
The 17th International Urdu Conference held at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, from December 5 to December 8, 2024, proved to be a historic celebration of culture, literature and the resilient spirit of Karachi. Aptly titled Jashn-e-Karachi (Celebration of Karachi), the event lived up to its name, attracting an estimated cumulative footfall of 300,000 to 350,000 over its four days, according to the Arts Council. This was not just a gathering of literati but a unifying spectacle that seamlessly blended the traditional and contemporary, offering something for everyone.
This year’s conference placed a special emphasis on Karachi itself, honoring the city’s unparalleled contribution to Pakistan’s cultural, literary and entertainment landscape. The opening ceremony, graced by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, set the tone with an evocative tribute to the city. The chief minister also participated in a special session celebrating 70 years of the Arts Council, reflecting on the institution’s pivotal role in nurturing Karachi’s artistic identity.
The sessions paid homage to Karachi's big success stories, with interviews featuring luminaries like Bushra Ansari, Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan, Asim Azhar, Tabish Hashmi and Shahid Afridi. These dialogues offered attendees a rare chance to connect with their icons, weaving the glitz of stardom with the intimacy of personal narratives. This blend of literary appreciation and popular culture was a masterstroke, ensuring the conference resonated with diverse audiences.
A conversation between Bushra Ansari and Imran Ashraf.
The highlight of the conference was undoubtedly the two aalmi mushairas (Symposium of Poetry), which featured an impressive lineup of poets from Pakistan and abroad, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and the Middle East. The poetry sessions, traditionally the heart of the conference, drew unprecedented crowds. So much so that for the first time, the Arts Council had to move the mushairas, along with the opening, closing and qawwali night, to the YMCA Ground to accommodate the overwhelming number of attendees.
This expansion underscored the growing public interest in the conference and the organizers’ ability to meet the demand. The mushairas (group reading of Urdu poetry) reflected the universality of Urdu, as poets shared verses that transcended borders, uniting attendees in a collective appreciation for the beauty of the language.
Absa Komal, Ahmed Shah, Humayun Saeed and Asim Azhar.
True to tradition, the conference spotlighted Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity with sessions dedicated to Sindhi, Punjabi, Siraiki, Pashto and Balochi literature and culture. These discussions provided a platform for regional voices, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Pakistan’s multicultural heritage.
Additionally, contemporary issues such as Karachi’s municipal governance, population challenges, environmental concerns and infrastructure, were discussed in depth. These sessions allowed citizens to pose poignant questions to panelists, fostering a rare but vital dialogue between experts and the public.
International relations also took center stage with thought-provoking panels on Pakistan’s ties with Turkey and Japan. These sessions were bolstered by the presence of the respective countries’ consul generals as chief guests, lending credibility and depth to the discussions.
Asma Shirazi, Sohail Warraich, Mustafa Qureshi, Ahsan Khan, Javed Sheikh and Munawwar Saeed.
The conference continued its tradition of being a premier platform for literary unveilings. Among the notable book launches were Hathiyyon Ki Larai (Battle of Elephants) by Sohail Warraich and a collection of poems by Hamida Shaheen. These sessions drew considerable attention, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the authors directly.
One of the most memorable moments of the conference came when Anwar Maqsood read a heartfelt letter addressed to Karachi, penned as if from the Quaid-e-Azam himself. The letter, imbued with wit and wisdom, struck a chord with attendees, serving as both a tribute and a reminder of Karachi’s potential and resilience.
Iftikhar Arif, Ahmed Shah, Kamran Tessori and Anwar Maqsood.
This year’s conference also made a concerted effort to attract younger audiences. The inclusion of contemporary stars alongside literary stalwarts, was an intentional strategy to make the event more accessible and engaging for the youth. President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, reiterated this focus during his opening and closing addresses, urging young people to actively participate in cultural and linguistic discourse to keep these traditions alive.
The strategy clearly paid off, with vibrant energy palpable throughout the event. Young attendees were not only drawn to the star-studded sessions but also engaged in the deeper literary and cultural dialogues, signaling a promising shift towards intergenerational appreciation of Urdu and regional languages.
Closing with a Resonant NoteThe conference concluded on a high note with a closing ceremony presided over by Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori. His speech celebrated the conference’s success and highlighted the Arts Council’s remarkable ability to unite Karachi’s diverse populace under one roof.
The closing was followed by a mesmerizing qawwali performance by Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, which drew a record-breaking audience to the YMCA Ground. Their soulful renditions provided the perfect culmination to four days of cultural festivity, leaving attendees in awe with spirits uplifted.
Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad
The 17th Aalmi Urdu Conference was not just an event; it was a testament to Karachi’s indomitable spirit. The seamless integration of traditional literary sessions with contemporary themes and personalities ensured that the event resonated across age groups and backgrounds. The decision to incorporate sessions featuring entertainment icons alongside intellectual discourse proved to be a winning formula, bridging the gap between the city’s rich cultural heritage and its evolving modern identity.
Moreover, the conference’s expansion to accommodate record-breaking crowds was symbolic of its growing relevance. In a city often grappling with challenges, the Arts Council’s ability to host such a large-scale, inclusive event showcased Karachi’s potential as a hub of culture and creativity.
President ACP Mohammad Ahmed Shah poses with the massive closing-day crowd
Ultimately, the conference was a celebration of community, a gathering where poets, writers, artists, intellectuals and everyday citizens came together to honor their shared love for Urdu, regional languages, and the city of Karachi. From tributes to the city’s icons to global literary exchanges, and from hard-hitting discussions on governance to the timeless allure of poetry, the conference offered something for everyone.
In its essence, the 17th Aalmi Urdu Conference reminded Karachiites, and Pakistanis at large, that art and literature are not mere luxuries but essential pillars of society. They are tools for reflection, connection, and progress.
As the conference drew to a close, the overwhelming sentiment among attendees was one of gratitude and pride. Karachi, a city of contradictions and complexities, had once again proven that its heart beats strongest in its cultural spaces. The success of this year’s event leaves us eagerly anticipating what the next chapter of this literary journey will bring.
With the bar set this high, the Aalmi Urdu Conference is poised to remain a shining beacon of culture in Pakistan for years to come.
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