“Urdu Haiku has become a comprehensive and attractive genre”
--- Sohail Ahmed Siddiqui (PR)

“Due to its particular form, mode and diversification of topics, Urdu Haiku has become a comprehensive and attractive genre. Be it Hamd, Na’t, Manqabat, Munajaat, ‘Rung-e-Taghazul ‘(hue of Ghazal), patriotism, ‘Shehr Aashobe’ (elegy of a city), all around portrayal of modern age, or even futuristic approach, Haiku is not legging behind in any topic or dimension. Aesthetically, Urdu Haiku is somewhat different from the original Japanese one, resembles Japanese, sometime and above all, to us, the native speakers, it is more effective than Haiku of any language, in the world”, this was stated by famous poet and founding editor of Haiku International (Karachi), Mr. Sohail Ahmed Siddiqui. He was presenting his key article on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Haiku Mushaira (Recital), held on 15th March, 2008, under the aegis of Japan Cultural Center, Consulate General of Japan, Karachi.

On the auspicious silver jubilee of this historic Haiku Mushaira, began in 1983, some 30 Urdu poets presented their original Haiku poems, along with translations from Japanese Haiku, through English. A Japanese student, Schue Nshi Mora had received exclusive appreciation from the audience. Other poets included Sohail Ahmed Siddiqui, Rukhsana Saba, Wazahat Nasim, Imtiaz Saaghir, Shahabuddin Shahab, Professor Muhammad Rais Alvi, Rais Baghi, Manzar Aiyubi, Shabnam Romani and Sarwat Sultana Sarwat. Glowing tributes were paid to Iqbal Haider, a senior poet, immigrated to USA, for his 25-year commendable services for the promotion of Haiku. Syed Usman Ashraf, his brother received a memento from the JPC, on his behalf. Sohail Ahmed Siddiqui presented Iqbal Haider’s Haiku poems, as per his desire.

The Consul General of Japan, Mr. Sueshi Nakano had delivered his special address, at the 25th annual Haiku Mushaira, while Ms. Fatima Suraiya Hameedi, the President Pakistan Japan Cultural Association presented welcome note. Eminent poets, Rashid Noor and Shahida Hassan conducted the proceedings of the Mushaira.