KARACHI, March 31: The 20th annual Haiku Mushaira was held on Saturday evening by the Japan Cultural Centre, consulate general of Japan, Karachi, in collaboration with Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Sindh, says a press release.

It adds that 20th annual Haiku Mushaira happily coincided with the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan.

A large number of renowned poets took part in the Mushaira. The city Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, was the chief guest. The Mushaira was presided over by Dr Abul Khair Kashfi to whom a shield was also presented for his lifetime contributions to the introduction and development of Haiku in Urdu. Kanji Hanagata, consul general of Japan in Karachi, and Sadia Rashid, vice-president of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Sindh, were also present, the press release says.

It notes that as a nation the Japanese are great lovers of poetry and aesthetic expressions. “Thus poetry especially Haiku is very popular among the Japanese. The Urdu translation and interpretation of Japanese Haiku by Basho, Issa, Shiki and other masters were presented on the occasion along with original Urdu Haiku.”

Mr Hanagata, expressed his gratitude to the poets for their interest.