The four-day-long 16th International Urdu Conference will kick start today (Thursday) at Art Council Pakistan, in Karachi. It will be inaugurated by caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (Rtd) Maqbool Baqir.

Over 200 intellectuals across the world will participate in the Urdu Conference.

The biggest attraction this year would be the online presence of famous poet Gulzar and screenwriter Javed Siddiqui as they will participate from their home country, India.

Prior to the day, council’s president Ahmed Shah said at a press conference that for the last 16 years, people eagerly wait for the event as it was initiated when a culture of hatred besieged the city.

He reminded many writers and philosophers who have passed away and said this year’s edition will be dedicated to those who contributed to the world of literature.

Ahmed Shah further said there will be a session on Josh Malihabadi focusing on a documentary made on him and a conversation with Indian poet and filmmaker Gulzar.

The conference will continue till December 3.