17th Aalmi Urdu Conference Concludes with Key Cultural Resolutions

Resolutions, urge federal and provincial

governments, individuals, and institutions

to promote culture and literature

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The four-day 17th Aalmi Urdu Conference, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, concluded on December 8, 2024, with significant resolutions addressing cultural, literary, and educational challenges. Delegates from across Pakistan and abroad approved these resolutions, urging federal and provincial governments, individuals, and institutions to fulfill their constitutional duties in promoting culture and literature.

Solidarity with Palestine and Kashmir

The conference reaffirmed solidarity with Palestine amidst global condemnation of Israeli atrocities. Delegates expressed support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation, highlighting the literary contributions of Pakistani writers on this issue over the past year.

In addition, the conference reiterated its stance on Kashmir’s right to self-determination. The Arts Council’s efforts, including a literary event in Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, were praised for showcasing Pakistani writers’ united support for this cause.

Recognition of Arts Council’s Achievements

Participants lauded the Arts Council’s recent expansion, including the successful Pakistan Literature Festivals in Lahore, Azad Kashmir, Sukkur, and Quetta. These events have enhanced cultural engagement nationwide, solidifying the Arts Council’s status as Pakistan’s leading cultural institution.

Focus on Youth Engagement

Acknowledging that 60% of Pakistan’s population comprises youth, the conference emphasized their involvement in cultural activities. Delegates highlighted the transformative role of culture in countering societal challenges like extremism and outdated educational practices.

Call for Strengthening Cultural and Educational Policies

Several resolutions addressed the need for comprehensive cultural and educational reforms:

• Federal and provincial governments were urged to promote interprovincial cultural exchanges to foster unity.
• Delegates stressed the importance of teaching mother tongues alongside other languages in schools, encouraging students to connect with diverse literature.
• Pakistan’s languages were recognized as vital cultural assets requiring preservation through concrete governmental policies.

Reviving the Publishing Industry

Delegates called for urgent measures to support the publishing industry:

• The government should subsidize book imports to counteract the rising costs caused by rupee devaluation.
• Establishing paper mills and ensuring affordable publishing materials were highlighted as critical steps to boost local publishing.
• Newspaper owners were urged to innovate and preserve print journalism despite the rise of digital media, safeguarding jobs and reader satisfaction.

A Unanimous Conclusion

The conference concluded with participants unanimously approving the resolutions. This landmark event not only celebrated Urdu literature but also provided a roadmap for addressing Pakistan’s cultural and educational challenges.