The International Poetry Festival of the “Sakinan-e-Shahar-e-Quaid” is a cultural tradition that has been given incredible splendor by Mahmood Ahmed Khan and his colleagues: Prof. Sahar Ansari.
Dr. Pirzada Qasim and Mahmood Ahmed Khan, the team of the “Sakinan-e-Shahar-e-Quaid”, deserve congratulations for organizing the largest poetry festival in Pakistan: Iftikhar Arif.
The International Poetry Festival of the “Sakinan-e-Shahar-e-Quaid” has created a new history of success in the Urdu world: Dr. Pirzada Qasim The enthusiastic participation of thousands of youth in the International Poetry Festival heralds the bright future of Urdu literature: Abbas Tabish.
The unprecedented display of discipline and enthusiasm by thousands of spectators in the largest international poetry festival of Pakistan, which lasted for seven hours: Anwar Shoor.
Karachi Pakistan : The 30th International Poetry Festival organized by the “”Sakinan-e-Shahar-e-Quaid”” was held on January 4, 2025 at the “Expo Center, Gulshan-e-Iqbal”, which was presided over by the master of poetry, Professor Sahar Ansari. His, living in Karachi, It is a matter of great honor and pride for the people of Karachi. Dr. Amberin Haseeb Amber, Wajih Sani performed the duties of the director in a very beautiful manner. The poetry recital continued from 10 pm to 5 am without any break.
A large number of audience enjoyed the poetry of the poets. The sapling planted by the late Azhar Abbas Hashmi 29 years ago has now become a tree. Maintaining the continuity of the international poetry recitals is a clear proof of Mahmood Ahmed Khan’s friendship with literature. Mahmood Ahmed Khan is a world-class man. From his extraordinary interest in poetry and literature, it can be concluded that “literature” is his last love. Mahmood Ahmed Khan is a determined man. Till date, none of his announcements have been proven to be “Voice of the Desert”. Organizing such a poetry festival every year, in which the number of participants exceeds ten thousand, is not something that we can do alone. The best poets, the best audience, the best arrangement and the best arrangement to protect from the cold, all these elements together made this poetry festival a success.
After the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat, the Chief Organizer of “Sakinan-e-Shahar-e-Quaid”, Mahmood Ahmed Khan, while delivering the welcome address, said that our caravan is moving forward under the patronage of Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, I am the trustee of the traditions of my elders, it is my moral responsibility to carry forward their name and work, which I am fulfilling. Maintaining the continuity of the international poetry festivals of “Sakinan-e-Shahar-e-Quaid” was a dream of mine, which has become a reality.
He said that I am grateful to the President of the festival, Professor Sahar Ansari, for being present in our festival today despite his illness. I am also grateful to those government and non-government institutions, who have fully cooperated with us. Poets are the soul of our festival, without them, such festivals cannot be imagined.
No festival has its validity without an audience, they have increased the prestige of the festival by coming here. When Indian poet Vijay Tiwari came to recite the Kalam, he was given a grand welcome. He also performed well and fulfilled the requests of the audience. At exactly 12 o’clock in the night, the national anthem of Pakistan was played with great respect and courtesy. At that time, the national flag of Pakistan was flying throughout the venue. This is a good tradition that should be followed. 
The President of the Mushaira, Professor Sahar Ansari, said that the international poetry festivals of “Saknan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid” have kept the cultural life of Karachi vibrant and active. There is no doubt that this is the biggest Mushaira of Pakistan. He said that despite the severe cold, such a large number of audience is a miracle and the Mushaira was more successful than expected. All the poets recited impressive poems. I will definitely praise the audience for their literary appreciation and understanding of poetry that they sat in the venue till 5 am.
