Karachi, Pakistan – On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Sindh, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, successfully organized the Thirty-Sixth Annual Urdu Haiku Mushaira at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. Presided over by Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, the event featured Hon’ble Hattori Masaru, Consul General of Japan, Karachi, as the Chief Guest.
Ms. Wazahat Naseem and Khurram Sohail coordinated the Mushaira.
In her welcome speech, Ms. Sadia Rashid, President of PJCA, Sindh, expressed gratitude for the presence of Hon’ble Consul General Hattori Masaru and Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui. She commended the ongoing support of the Hon’ble Consul General of Japan, Karachi, and thanked Muhammad Ahmad Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, for cooperation.
Honorable Hattori Masaru commended Pakistan’s profound appreciation for poetry, with a special emphasis on the Haiku genre. He highlighted the enduring bond between Pakistan and Japan, expressing admiration for the pivotal role that haiku mushairas play in fortifying the literary and cultural ties between the two nations.
Approximately 27 poets presented their original Urdu Haiku, and local poets, Ms. Wazahat Naseem and Mr. Shahzad Niaz, presented Urdu translations of selected Haiku by Japanese poets Momoko Kuroda and Tota Kaneko respectively. Poets Dr. Abida Ghangro, Sarwar Shamal, and Shahzad Niaz showcased Haiku in regional languages as well.
In his concluding address, Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui highlighted the role of arts in shaping collective thought and consciousness. He commended the efforts of PJCA, Sindh, and the Mushaira concluded with Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui sharing his characteristic Haiku.
