The much-awaited 17th International Urdu Conference has started today in Karachi, with its grand opening at the YMCA Ground near the Arts Council. This 4-day literary event is a hub for Urdu lovers, writers, and poets from around the globe. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is set to inaugurate the event at 5 PM.
According to Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, this year’s conference is packed with 64 engaging sessions. One of the highlights is a discussion on artificial intelligence, focusing on its pros and cons. The conference promises a mix of intellectual debates, cultural activities, and celebrations marking the Arts Council’s 70th anniversary, including a cake-cutting ceremony and award presentations.
The session titled “Main Hoon Karachi” has generated much excitement, featuring well-known personalities like Anwar Maqsood, Tabish Hashmi, and Waseem Badami. Ahmed Shah will deliver the welcome speech, while Hameed Haroon is expected to captivate the audience with his keynote address.
| Closed Roads | Timings | Alternate Routes |
|---|---|---|
| M.R. Kiyani Chowk to Aiwan-e-Sadr Road | 4 PM to 9 PM (Daily) | Use Abdullah Haroon Road or Dr. Ziauddin Road |
| Masjid Ahl-e-Hadith to Sindh Assembly via Court Road | 4 PM to 9 PM (Daily) | Take Lucky Star Road or Saddar Dawakhana routes |
| Press Club Chowk to Aiwan-e-Sadr Road | 4 PM to 9 PM (Daily) | Use Sarwar Shaheed Road or Frere Road |
| Press Club Chowk to Deen Muhammad Wafai Road | 4 PM to 9 PM (Daily) | Opt for I.I. Chundrigar Road or Burns Road |
| Shahrah-e-Faisal to M.R. Kiyani Chowk | 4 PM to 9 PM (Daily) | Use Khalid Bin Waleed Road or Tariq Road |
Parking Arrangements for Attendees
- Sarwar Shaheed Road
- In front of Polo Ground
- Near Sindh Assembly
- In front of Frere Hall Library
Attendees are advised to follow traffic police directions and use designated parking areas to avoid inconvenience.
To accommodate the large audience, ample seating arrangements have been made, and the venue is set to showcase the vibrant spirit of Urdu literature. For the convenience of attendees, traffic arrangements are in place. Police have issued advisories, closing key routes around the YMCA Ground, including M.R. Kiyani Chowk to Aiwan-e-Sadr Road, from 4 PM to 9 PM during the event. Parking is available at Sarwar Shaheed Road and other designated spots nearby.
