The 17th Aalmi Urdu Conference, a flagship event in Pakistan’s cultural calendar, commenced with great enthusiasm at the Arts Council of Pakistan. The gathering celebrated the rich heritage of Urdu and regional languages, drawing eminent literary figures, diplomats, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the event’s role in highlighting Pakistan’s vibrant cultural diversity.
He praised the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, for its pivotal role in fostering creativity and dialogue over the last seven decades. Paying tribute to Mohammad Ahmed Shah, the president of the Arts Council, the Chief Minister Shah acknowledged his visionary leadership in elevating Karachi as a global cultural hub.
“From hosting the 38-day World Culture Festival featuring artists from 44 countries to extending the Aalmi Urdu Conference to new venues, these efforts demonstrate Karachi’s standing as a global city of art and intellect,” he said. The conference also recognized the contributions of regional literature by presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to prominent authors from Sindhi, Saraiki, Punjabi, Pashto, and Balochi traditions.
This initiative highlighted the council’s dedication to linguistic diversity and national unity. The Chief Minister shared his optimism for the council’s future projects, including ambitious international collaborations and an expanded cultural festival next year involving participants from nearly every country. Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed the Sindh Government’s unwavering support for initiatives promoting cultural diplomacy, youth engagement, and intellectual growth.
Chief Minister commended Karachi’s enduring role in shaping Pakistan’s cultural and intellectual heritage. He urged sustained efforts to empower the city’s youth through art and culture, envisioning a more inclusive and prosperous future. The Aalmi Urdu Conference continues to stand as a beacon of Pakistan’s cultural heritage, uniting diverse voices in celebrating the beauty of language, art, and community.
