The four-day “16th International Urdu Conference 2023” has kicked off at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, bringing together literary luminaries. In a surprising announcement during the inaugural speech at the 16th International Urdu Conference, the Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar, declared Ahmed Shah, President of Pakistan Arts Council of Karachi, as the Provincial Minister. The inaugural ceremony was attended by notable figures in literature and arts, including Iftikhar Arif, Zehra Nigah, Kashif Nadeem, Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Manzar Athar Baig, and others. President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah delivered the welcome address, while renowned journalist and scholar Ghazi Salahuddin presented a keynote article.
The event was hosted by Huma Mir, the ceremony began with a minute of silence condemning Israel’s aggression in Palestine. During his address, the Chief minister highlighted the role of literature in fostering empathy and shared the joy of being among scholars and literary figures. While Ahmad Shah, in his welcome speech, emphasized the enduring fragrance of literature and its power to make society compassionate. Shah stressed the need to maintain cultural identity and credited literature as a tool for that purpose.
On this occasion, Chief Minister of Sindh Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar announced the appointment of President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah as a minister in the provincial government, acknowledging his services to literature and culture. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister stated that those who have played a role in promoting literature, culture, and civilization have always become immortal.
He expressed his honor to be present among scholars and literary figures, emphasizing the importance of literature in shaping a compassionate and precious society. He further added, “I am pleased that, like before, not only Urdu but also other regional languages have been included in this Urdu conference. Baqar also emphasized the need for organizing such literary events to create a shield of peace for society. They further stated that under the leadership of Ahmed Shah, the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi is playing an illuminating role in the promotion of knowledge, literature, and fine arts.”Previously, the President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, in his welcome address, expressed admiration for CM Baqir’s significant contributions to democracy.
Shah also recalled the support he received from several prominent literary figures when the journey began sixteen years ago. The conference witnessed a large number of delegates from abroad, representing various regional languages and Urdu writers from different parts of the country. President Ahmed Shah highlighted the commitment of Pakistani writers to literature and expressed satisfaction with their dedication. He mentioned the success of the Sukkur Conference and emphasized that the Urdu Conference has added a national and cultural dimension. President Ahmed Shah mentioned the inclusion of six regional languages in the Urdu Conference, acknowledging the raised concerns, and highlighted the participation of Indian literary figures in the conference as well.
He also announced the success of the Sukkur Conference and the Youth Festival, where 59% of the participants were young individuals. He expressed pride in the commitment of Pakistani writers and their continuous focus on literature. President Ahmed Shah appreciated the positive approach of the elders, stating that they never taught despair. He emphasized the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and discussed the responsibility that he undertook, of providing Urdu books in the UAE’s prominent library. In conclusion, President Ahmed Shah expressed gratitude for the support received and acknowledged the success of the literary endeavors in promoting Urdu language and culture.
The program also paid tribute to literary figures, including the legendary Zia Mohyeddin. In the end, special guest Chief Minister Sindh, Justice (Rtd) Maqbool Baqir, presented awards to selected 5 regional language books, including Urdu. The awarded books included “Khafeef Mukhfi Ki Khuwab Beeti” by Mirza Athar Baig (Urdu), “Pashtoon Danish” by Noor-ul-Amin Yousafzai (Pashto), “Mendal Da Qanoon” by Jameel Ahmed Pal (Punjabi), “Yaram Yaram” by Zubaida Maitlo (Sindhi), “Marda Jivan Di” by Muhammad Hafeez Khan (Saraiki), and “Man Kishay Nihaan” by Ghafoor Shad (Balochi). The mentioned books were introduced by Naseer Abbas Nair, Abaseen Yousafzai, Sarwat Mahiuddin, Noor-ul-Huda Shah, Nazir Laghari, and Waheed Noor.On this occasion, shields were also presented to Saeed Naqvi, Basit Jalili, and Akram Qaimkhani for their work in promoting Urdu literature outside the country.
