SIBF 2025: Anwar Maqsood and Ata ul Haq Qasmi shine at Urdu literary night in Sharjah
Bazm-e-Urdu and SBA mark Allama Iqbal’s birth anniversary with a full house
SHARJAH – Wit, nostalgia and a deep love for words filled the air at the Sharjah Expo Centre over the weekend, as celebrated writers from Pakistan and India came together for Mehfil-e-Urdu.
Organised by Bazm-e-Urdu Dubai in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the evening formed part of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and coincided with the birth anniversary of Allama Iqbal. The event drew a full-capacity audience of Urdu enthusiasts from across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pakistan’s iconic satirist Anwar Maqsood, who received the Josh-e-Urdu Award 2025 to a standing ovation.
In his trademark humorous style, Maqsood captivated listeners by reading a fictional letter from Allama Iqbal – blending sharp social satire with a poignant reflection on the subcontinent’s state.
Mehfil-e-Urdu in Sharjah
The event revived the cherished Mushaira Zinda Dilan (Symposium of the Lively-Hearted), a humorous poetry session once popular in classic Urdu circles.
Renowned poets including Ata ul Haq Qasmi, Popular Meeruthi, Surender Sharma, and Inaam ul Haq Javed took to the stage, bringing the audience to laughter with their witty verses and keen observations.
Alongside Maqsood, several literary figures were recognised for their lifelong dedication to Urdu literature.
- Ata ul Haq Qasmi received the Josh-e-Urdu Award 2024 for his influential humour writing.
- Dr. Sayeed Alam, acclaimed playwright and director, was presented the Alamdar-e-Urdu Award 2025 (Flagbearer of Urdu).
- Chhabi Saxena Saba, Indian poet and singer, was honoured with the Pasban-e-Urdu Award 2025 (Guardian of Urdu).
The evening also marked the launch of Bazm-e-Urdu’s annual magazine and several new titles under its Gosha-e-Kutub (Book Corner) publishing initiative.
Bazm-e-Urdu’s President Shakeel Ahmed Khan expressed gratitude to the SBA for supporting the initiative. He noted that the event’s purpose went beyond entertainment—to connect younger generations with Urdu’s cultural heritage.
PR Secretary Syed Tabish Zaidi added that the foundation of the Mushaira dates back to 1985, when Dr. Azhar Ali Zaidi first envisioned this literary platform.
The gathering was skilfully compered by Rehan Khan, with Asif Sarosh introducing the forum. In closing, Kanwar Muhammad Saleem thanked the guests and Government of Sharjah, echoing the evening’s sentiment: “May the discourse on Urdu flow on.”