Karachi: On Thursday 22^nd November 2018 The 11International Urdu Conference started  with the commemoration of the famous writer and activist Fahmida Riaz , who has recently passed away in the city of Lahore.

The President of Arts Council Karachi Ahmed Shah expressed his condolences by stating that cultures and cities are mostly remembered not for their governments but by their writers and poets. He stressed on the importance of the writers and poets in creating an era which he asserted is not possible without the support of the state.

The Opening day of the ceremony was dedicated to legendary poet Anwar Maqsood and late poet Jaun Elia. The day included discussions panel. The panel included Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Iqbal Haider, Shahid Rissam, Shakil Adilzada and Abbas Naqvi where as Aneeq Ahmed former KU vice chancellor participated as moderator in the discussion.