KARACHI: The 18th International Urdu Conference having the theme ‘celebrating Pakistan literature’ will be organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan from Dec 25 to Dec 28.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Arts Council President Ahmed Shah said the Urdu Conference began in 2008 and now has assumed the role of a movement.

Giving out details of the forthcoming conference, he said apart from the Urdu language, all regional languages are part of it. “This time around we are celebrating Pakistani literature. We are going to discuss noteworthy poets, writers and critics. In terms of poetry, we have separated nazm and ghazal.”

He continued: “Then there are going to be discussions on those who have left this world. For example, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ada Jafrey. Then there will be sessions on women and their contribution to society; they will be celebrated. AI’s impact on literature and culture will also be talked about. How relevant Pakistani literature is in the 21st century will also come under discussion. Climate change and its victims is another topic.”

‘No physical presence from India’

Mr Shah said speakers from all over the world will be participating in the conference. But there will be no physical presence from India.

“The reason is India’s attack on Pakistan in May. We have nothing against India’s artists and writers. There were more than 100 artists who wanted to take part in the recently held World Culture Festival as well as in this conference. Their coming here is no problem; it’s their going back that’s an issue. I will not take big names from India because their lives in Delhi and Mumbai will be in danger,” he said.

Poetess Zehra Nigah said she was at an event a few weeks back where she was asked a question on economics. “I replied that I don’t know much about economics but I know about morality. If our moral values are right, then the economy automatically gets on the right track. And the biggest pillar of the right moral values is literature.”

Poet Dr Pirzada Qasim, writer Noor Ul Huda Shah and actor Munawwar Saeed also spoke.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2025