Karachi’s Literary Scene: Grand “”Azadi Mushaira”” at Governor House

The Current Governor of Sindh has Left All previous Governors Behind, he has Turned the
“Governor House” in to a “School of Knowledge and Wisdom”, Mahmood Ahmed Khan.

Karachi Pakistan : Many governors have come to Sindh, spent their tenure in a royal manner, and departed. None left behind any memorable work. However, Sindh’s current Governor, Kamran Khan Tessori, has surpassed all his
predecessors. He opened the doors of the Governor House to the public—something unimaginable before, as an ordinary person’s access to the Governor House was nearly impossible. Without doubt, Kamran Khan Tessori is a “People’s Governor.” A shining example of his public service is how he has transformed the Governor House into a “School of Knowledge and Wisdom.” The consistent hosting of literary and cultural events there reflects his love for literature and support for learning.Kamran Khan Tessori is also known for his compassion for the underprivileged. Hosting daily iftar and dinner for thousands during Ramadan inside the Governor House is no small feat. Regular distribution of monthly rations among the poor, scholarships for students, and encouragement of sports are also commendable efforts.

The traditions he has established at the Governor House are both exemplary and a point of reflection for future governors.About a month ago, Kamran Khan Tessori announced that in connection with “Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations,” the Governor House would host daily programs from August 1st to August 14th. These events would highlight the significance of Pakistan’s creation and pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence. He kept his promise. As part of these celebrations, on August 5th, a grand “Azadi Mushaira” was organized at the Governor House. The event was managed by Mahmood Ahmed Khan, chief organizer of “Sakinaan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid.” His efforts bore fruit, and the Mushaira turned out to be a resounding success.On the evening of the Mushaira, the Governor House lawns sparkled with lights. Some attendees listened to the recitations seated on the ground, while others cheered wholeheartedly at good verses and observed silence at poignant ones. It was a memorable and dignified Mushaira that will long be remembered.

The Mushaira was presided over by the highly respected poet, critic, scholar, and educationist, Professor Sahar Ansari. As he entered the venue, not only the dignitaries on stage but also the audience stood up to welcome him—an expression of respect for men of letters. MQM chief and Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui attended as the chief guest. The proceedings were conducted with grace by Wajiha Sani and Agha Shirazi.After the recitation of the Holy Quran, the host of the evening, Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, delivered the welcome address. He said that with the start of August, Independence Day celebrations begin throughout the country. Similarly, the Governor House lit up with the lamps of freedom, hosting a variety of programs, and the Mushaira was one of them. He emphasized the importance of remembering the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement who gave their lives for the cause. He also expressed gratitude to Mahmood Ahmed Khan for his efforts in organizing the Mushaira and to Professor Sahar Ansari, who graced the event despite his illness. “We are proud to live in the era of Sahar Ansari,” he said. He also thanked all the poets for accepting the invitation and joining the gathering.The poets who presented their work on the theme of independence included Professor Sahar Ansari (President of the Mushaira), Anwar Shaoor, Sabir Zafar, Khwaja Razi Haider, Abbas Tabish, Javed Saba, Khalid Irfan, Dr. Iqbal Peerzada, the writer of this piece (Akhtar Saeedi), Khalid Mueen, Nasira Zuberi, Iqbal Khawar, Dr. Ambreen Haseeb Amber, Fazil Jamili, Kamran Nafees, Wajiha Sani, Abdul Rahman Momin, Humaira Gul Tishna, Mansoor Sahir, Haider Rizvi, and Fahad Wali.The Mushaira was also attended by MQM leaders Dr. Farooq Sattar, Faisal Sabzwari, and Anees Qaimkhani, along with several MNAs and MPAs from MQM. The audience turnout was impressive and kept the Mushaira alive until the very end.