The Aalmi Urdu Conference is returning to Karachi this winter for its 19th edition
We have great news for Urdu literature lovers in Karachi: the dates for the 19th edition of the Aalmi Urdu Conference have been announced.
The event will be held from December 10 to 13 at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, which made the announcement on social media on Saturday.
“Renowned scholars, poets, writers, and artists will gather to share powerful conversations, performances, and cultural exchanges,” said the Arts Council’s Instagram post.
Founded in 2007 as the Arts Council’s flagship event, the conference has evolved into a major platform that aims to preserve the Urdu language’s history and traditions and helps connect the country’s literary heritage with a global audience.
“The four-day conference features grand aalmi mushairas, thought-provoking literary sessions, and special musical evenings dedicated to ghazal and qawwali, celebrating the soul of Urdu expression,” according to the cultural centre’s official website.
The conference is usually centred around a particular message or cause. While this year’s theme is yet to be revealed, last year, the event celebrated Karachi’s “enduring role as a centre of literary innovation and artistic excellence” and stressed on the importance of world peace. Arts Council President Ahmed Shah condemned the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and denounced India’s occupation of Kashmir.
In 2024, the event’s theme highlighted Karachi’s vibrant past. Actor Mahira Khan, who took the stage as a guest, admired the city’s inclusive spirit.
While the details of this year’s conference have yet to be disclosed, it has proven to be a success with Urdu language aficionados for about 19 years. Judging by this impressive record, we are certain that this year’s programme will also turn out to be a triumph.
Cover: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi
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