The 18th Aalmi Urdu Conference will take place at the Arts Council of Pakistan, bringing together scholars, poets, writers, and artists from around the world for discussions, book launches, performances, and cultural dialogues.

This year’s focus is Karachi’s longstanding role as a centre of literary innovation and artistic production. The conference may mirror last year’s format, which included significant representation of Pakistan’s regional languages, with sessions on Balochi, Pashto, Punjabi, Saraiki, and Sindhi literature.

Launched in 2007 as the Council’s flagship event, the conference has expanded into a global platform aimed at preserving cultural traditions and connecting Karachi’s literary and artistic landscape with broader audiences.

Last year’s edition featured writers and poets such as Anwar Maqsood and Mustansar Hussain Tarar, along with discussions on multiple regional languages. Celebrity appearances included Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, and Waseem Badami. An Aalmi Mushaira and tributes to late writers also drew large crowds.

The conference is scheduled for December 25 to 28 in Karachi.