17th Aalmi Urdu Conference begins tomorrow

The Arts Council of Pakistan announced at a press conference on Tuesday that the four-day 17th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2024 –Jashan-e-Karachi was set to commence on Thursday.

President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, renowned humorist, host and playwright Anwar Maqsood, eminent poet Iftikhar Arif, writer Noor-ul-Huda Shah, and Ejaz Farooqi briefed the media about the mega event.

This year’s Aalmi Urdu Conference will celebrate “Jashan-e-Karachi” and commence on December 5, continuing until December 8. Considering the growing interest, the opening session will be held at the YMCA Ground. The conference will feature more than 60 sessions, and a cake-cutting ceremony will mark the 70th anniversary of the ACP.

Speaking at the press conference, Ahmed Shah praised Iftikhar Arif and Anwar Maqsood for their significant contributions to the Urdu language. He criticized the Indian government under Narendra Modi, labelling it as an agent of hatred, but emphasized the love shared between the peoples of India and Pakistan. “We want to maintain our existence as a state. I will exercise patience and communicate with Javed Siddiqui and Gulzar Sahib through the media,” he said, noting that writers from India have also been invited to the conference.

Shah remarked that the Aalmi Urdu Conference positively paved the way for other festivals and conferences. He noted that although Lahore has been a hub for Urdu for over 300 years, the city’s residents do not speak it as their mother tongue. He commended Punjab for its unparalleled contributions to Urdu, surpassing all others.

Shah emphasized how the Arts Council has worked to transform Karachi’s image. “In the same city that was once maligned, we welcomed 30,000 people and international guests during the closing ceremony of the World Culture Festival Karachi. We proved that Karachi is a hub of hospitality and resilience.”

He stressed the importance of the Aalmi Urdu Conference as a means of preserving and continuing the cultural heritage of the region. “This conference is a testament to our commitment to cultural continuity and the promotion of Urdu.”

Renowned humorist Anwar Maqsood remarked that Urdu is a versatile language, and many artists have been invited to the conference. The objective is for them to learn and refine their pronunciation. He praised Ahmed Shah and said that he hasn’t slept properly for six months. “Only Ahmed Shah can organize such successful events.”

Maqsood criticized those who question the conference’s organization, labelling them as envious of its success. Prominent poet Iftikhar Arif highlighted that globally, the number of writers is dwindling as people prioritize earning money over creative pursuits. He stressed the importance of art and culture for fostering a civilized society, describing the Arts Council as unparalleled in its scale of work.

He said this city was once famous for its negative trends, but Arts Council’s initiatives have transformed its narrative. “This Urdu Conference is unique as every edition differs from the last.” Iftikhar Arif emphasized unity, stating, “In Pakistan, 76 languages are spoken. A person who loves their mother tongue cannot hate another’s language. We must reduce hypocrisy and envy. Whether I identify as Sindhi or Urdu-speaking, it doesn’t diminish my Pakistani identity.”

Iftikhar Arif noted that while online book sales are limited, festivals attract significant book buyers. Arts Council, despite being based in Karachi, has earned recognition across the globe. He congratulated Ahmed Shah and his team on their outstanding efforts.

Writer and Joint Secretary Arts Council Noor-ul-Huda Shah praised Ahmed Shah for consistently organizing the Urdu Conference, calling it a commendable achievement. She stated that we often find ourselves at odds with society. “Literature and art serve as the cure for our hearts, and Ahmed Shah has sustained this remedy through Arts Council.” When asked about the significant presence of artists this year, Noor-ul-Huda Shah explained that the quality of dialogue in dramas and films has deteriorated, severing the link between literature and art. “This conference will address that gap.” The opening day will feature a session titled ‘Main Hoon Karachi – Anwar Maqsood’, with participants including Tabish Hashmi and Waseem Badami. On the second day, the Aalmi Urdu Conference will begin with a session on ‘Urdu Nazam mein Karachi ka Hisa’ followed by discussions on various themes such as ‘Taqdeesi Adab ke Roshan Chiragh’, ‘Duniya Badalti Khawateen’, ‘Kitabon ki Ronumai’, ‘KMC 1843 se 2024 tak’, ‘Bachon ka Adab’, ‘Arifa Sayeda Zehra ke Saath’, ‘Saraiki Saqafat o Adab’, ‘Governance for People’s Empowerment’, ‘Pakistani Media, Bain-ul-Aqwami Media ke Tanazur Mein’, ‘Karachi: Kal aur Aaj’, ‘Pakhtoon Saqafat o Adab’, ‘Dear Karachi – A City story told through Letters’, and ‘Main Hoon Karachi - Asim Azhar, Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan’. The event will conclud with a mushaira.