Karachi (Staff Reporter): Chief Organizer of the Sakinan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid International Mushaira, Mahmood Ahmed Khan, announced that, as in previous years, the 31st Sakinan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid International Mushaira for World Peace will be held on March 28, 2026, at the Expo Center Karachi. Renowned poet Iftikhar Arif will preside over the event, while poets from Pakistan and abroad will present their work. An attendance of 10,000 to 15,000 people is expected.
He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday. On this occasion, Patron-in-Chief Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Professor Umar Farooq, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, and Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamil also spoke to the media.
Mahmood Ahmed Khan stated that, in light of the changing global situation, the theme of this year’s Mushaira has been titled “Mushaira for World Peace.” He added that around 15 poets from abroad are expected to attend, including Faika Gul Sahibzada from the United Kingdom; Dr. Noor Amrohvi, Humeira Gul Tishna, and Noreen Talat Arooba from the United States; Noreen Syeda from Germany; and Tabish Zaidi from Dubai, among others.
From Karachi, around 20 poets including Anwar Shaoor, Pirzada Qasim, Mahmood Shaam, Fazil Jamil, and Javed Saba will participate. Other notable participants include Madad Ali Sindhi from Hyderabad, Kamran Ishrat from Tando Adam, Abbas Tabish and Wasee Shah from Lahore, Shakeel Jazib and Dr. Rabab Tabassum from Islamabad, Nusrat Siddiqui from Faisalabad, Afzal Khan from Bahawalpur, and Uzma June from Sibi, Balochistan. Young poets such as Tajwar Shakeel, Fahad Ali, Muddat Abbas, Qudsia Zaidi, Shah Fahd, Mansoor Sahir, Daniyal Ismail, and Nazia Ghous will also take part.
The event will be hosted by Dr. Ambreen Haseeb Amber and Wajeeha Sani.
Responding to a question, Mahmood Ahmed Khan said that any decisions regarding potential lockdown situations will be made after reviewing the circumstances. He added that attendees must bring their national identity cards. All necessary NOCs have been obtained, and city administration is cooperating fully.
Answering another question, he stated that there is no opposition to the event and that a court agreement exists confirming unified support.
Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui noted that although no poets are arriving from India, poets from across Pakistan and the world will participate, and with strong media support, the Mushaira will be a grand success.
Fazil Jamil said that, as in the past, the Karachi Press Club will fully support the Mushaira and will host a reception in honor of the visiting international poets.
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