KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi held a significant press conference to announce the “17th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2024” at Haseena Moin Hall. The event included briefings by the President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah; renowned scholar, poet, and writer Dr. Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui; Vice President and veteran actor Munawar Saeed; Secretary Ejaz Farooqi; and Treasurer Qudsia Akbar.
During the briefing, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah announced that “17th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2024” would commence on December 5 and continue for four days, concluding on December 8. He highlighted the recent success of the world’s largest 38-day “World Culture Festival Karachi”. He stated that “We twisted the enemy’s arm in one decisive move, and I am grateful to the media for showcasing Pakistan’s positive image globally. They have been with us on this journey for the past 17 years.”
Shah emphasized that while Pakistan may not achieve political stability easily, culture serves as a unifying force. For the past 17 years, the council has been promoting culture, inspiring numerous festivals and conferences. For example, in Quetta, we brought opposition and government leaders to share the stage, fostering unity under the national anthem. He stressed the need for sustained efforts to promote culture. This year, we plan to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi named “Jashn-e-Karachi”.
The conference will feature sessions on dialogue, discussions, Qawwali, dance, music, Urdu poetry’s contribution to Karachi, Taqdessi Adab, Khwateen, Karachi mein Bacho ka Adab, Karachi waly jo Pardesi hoy, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Pashto, and Seraiki culture and literature, Taleem beeti, book launches, Karachi ky mazah nigar, Karachi Ke Musavir, Karachi ke Khilari, Javed Siddiqui ke Khako ka Mujmua “Mere Muhtaram”, KMC 1843 se 2024 tek, Karachi kal or aj, Karachi me bany wala music, Aalmi Mushaira, Urdu Tanqeed, Maholiyat and Global Warminig, theater, radio, TV, film, Taraqi pasnd thrik or Karachi.
Prominent personalities such as Nadeem Baig, Mustafa Qureshi, Umair Najmi, Ali Zaryoun, Bushra Ansari, Mahira Khan, Fahad Mustafa, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, and Asim Azhar will participate. Discussions will also address digital media, artificial intelligence, the city’s historical narrative, and the history of media in Pakistan. Shah mentioned that participants from Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia will attend, making South Asia a cultural hub. He emphasized that this success is a collective achievement, not just the Arts Council’s. He praised Dr. Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui as a symbol of Urdu literature.
Karachi has a rich history of architecture, radio, TV, and literature. The conference will also honor legendary painters such as Sadequain, Gulgee, Bashir Mirza, Ahmed Parvez, Mansoor Rahi, and Eqbal Mehdi. A session will celebrate Karachi’s musicians and singers, including Sohail Rana, Nisar Bazmi, Lal Muhammad Iqbal, Mehdi Zaheer, Mehdi Hassan, Ahmed Rushdi, and Mehnaaz.
Contributions of Sindh Madressatul Islam’s founders will also be remembered. To connect the younger generation with the national language, sessions featuring celebrities have been planned, offering those learning opportunities. Ahmed Shah recounted that in the past, people would walk miles to hear legends like Abida Parveen and Mehdi Hassan. He thanked the Mayor of Karachi and announced the upcoming inclusion of the Fyzee Rahamin Art Gallery in the Arts Council, along with further developments at Burns Garden.
Shah also announced the inauguration of “Aiwan-e-Josh” on December 2 and an exhibition of major Pakistani artists’ works on December 3. He emphasized the need to preserve and celebrate Karachi’s cultural legacy through dedicated sessions, marking the council’s 70-year journey.
Dr. Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, while briefing, said that Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s Aamli Urdu conference would celebrate Urdu and other languages. He acknowledged Ahmed Shah’s significant role in organizing this successful conference, noting that a unique trait in any individual is their vision and mission, which Ahmed Shah possesses. Shah’s ability to think far ahead is evident, and he intends to establish a university for fine arts. Dr. Siddiqui shared that he has been associated with Ahmed Shah since the first Aalmi Urdu Conference.
Today, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has achieved global recognition. Reflecting on the first conference, he mentioned that a large number of elders participated and recalled asking Ahmed Shah about plans for youth involvement. Shah successfully connected with the younger generation, proving his commitment.
Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that new experiences and opportunities will continue to open, with many innovative additions planned for this Aalmi Urdu Conference. Vice President Munawar Saeed noted that the conference belongs to all Urdu lovers and expressed joy at the enthusiasm of young participants. Treasurer Qudsia Akbar described the conference as a cultural seed planted by Ahmed Shah that has grown into a tree with deep international roots. Secretary Ejaz Farooqi acknowledged the challenges of organizing such events consistently over 17 years, crediting Ahmed Shah for the success of the World Culture Festival, Awami Theater Festival, and now the Aalmi Urdu Conference.
