Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi launched the four-day “18th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2025 – Jashan-e-Pakistan” with a vibrant opening ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori. The event, marking both the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Christmas, attracted a large audience, including students, and featured readings, speeches, and cultural celebrations.
The ceremony commenced with traditional recitations followed by the national anthem. President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the council’s role in promoting cultural unity. Governor Tessori praised the conference for fostering national identity and unity through the Urdu language, which he described as a vital link among diverse communities in Pakistan.
Keynote speaker Nasir Abbas Nayyar emphasized the importance of literature and arts in creating new spaces for dialogue and understanding. The conference, he noted, serves as a platform for diverse linguistic traditions to engage in meaningful exchanges, highlighting the need for a global dialogic space for literature.
Throughout the event, prominent figures from the literary and artistic communities, such as Iftikhar Arif and Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, shared their insights and experiences. The conference also paid tribute to late cultural icons who have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s artistic heritage.
The conference’s theme, “Jashan-e-Pakistan,” underscores the celebration of Pakistan’s cultural diversity and heritage. Participants expressed their commitment to fostering a society where arts and literature hold significant value, emphasizing the role of these disciplines in uniting communities and promoting peace.
The event continues to be a hallmark of cultural exchange, drawing participation from writers and artists across various languages. The Arts Council, through this conference, reaffirms its dedication to nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape in Pakistan.