Poetry enthusiasts delighted at annual mushaira

The 30th version of the Sakinan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid Mushaira, which has become a flagship literary event of the city over the years, was held at the Expo Centre Karachi on Saturday night.

A large number of veteran as well as young poets graced the occasion and enthralled the audience with their verses. The event was presided over by Prof Sahar Ansari, while its chief guest was was Iftikhar Arif. The proceedings were conducted by Ambreen Haseeb Amber and Wajih Sani.

Notable poets who read out their verses at the event included Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Hamida Shaheen, Nasira Zuberi, Firasat Rizvi and Aqeel Abbas Jafri.

A large number of political personalities and bureaucrats also attended the event, including Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) chief Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, MQM-P leaders Nasreen Jalil and Dr Farooq Sattar, Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Waqar Mehdi, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Nehal Hashmi and provincial secretary Iqbal Memon.

They said the International mushaira was not just a celebration of poetry and culture, but it also signified the fact that Karachi was still the cradle of Urdu literature. Book stalls were also set up at the venue that attracted book lovers.

Many poets came from abroad and other cities to participate in the annual event. Poet Vijay Tiwari from India participated in this Mushairah. He said that he was participating in the mushaira for the second time. Notable poet Shahida Hassan came from Canada. Those who came from Lahore included Abbas Tabish and Wasi Shah.