17th International Urdu conference begins today in Karachi

KARACHI: The 17th four-day International Urdu Conference beginning today (Thursday) at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi will be celebrating the city’s cultural heritage.

This year’s conference will pay tribute to Karachi, exploring its history, architecture, TV, music, theatre, film, and iconic personalities.

Various sessions will be held, in which speakers will discuss the city’s legendary artists, from painters like Sadequain and Gulgee to musicians such as Sohail Rana and Mehdi Hasan. An open session titled Shehrnama will allow participants to share memories of Karachi’s cultural vibrancy, including its coffee houses and public spaces.

KP’s bulletproof vehicles for VIPs left unused for decade amid legal disputes

Celebrity sessions will also be held featuring Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed and singer Asim Azhar to engage younger generations with Urdu.

Notable personalities ike Anwar Maqsood, Tabish Hashmi, and Waseem Badami will participate in a notable session titled “I Am Karachi” at the International Urdu Conference.

Writers and poets from India have been invited, with online participation arranged for those unable to attend in person.

The conference will conclude on December 8 (Sunday).

ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

The conference, starting today with an opening ceremony at YMCA Ground, will be attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah as the guest of honor.

Traffic police have implemented special arrangements, including road closures from MR Kiyani Chowk to the Governor’s House and Masjid Ahl-e-Hadees to the Sindh Assembly from 4 pm to 9 pm. Commercial vehicles are restricted at key points like Press Club Chowk and Shaheen Complex.

According to the traffic police, the attendees can park their vehicles near Sir Syed Road, Polo Ground, and other locations.