GWADAR: The centenary celebrations of renowned Baloch linguist, researcher, poet and literary figure Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi formally commenced in Gwadar, with speakers paying tribute to his lasting contributions to the Balochi language, literature and cultural identity.
The opening ceremony was held at the Syed Hashmi Auditorium of the RCD Council and was jointly organised by several social, cultural and literary organisations with the support of the Gwadar Municipal Committee. The event brought together scholars, writers, artists and public representatives to mark the beginning of year-long commemorative activities.
Former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch attended the ceremony as chief guest. Other prominent participants included Gwadar MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Chairman of the Gwadar Municipal Committee Majid Johar, President of the Syed Hashmi Academy Ali Issa, and General Secretary of the Balochistan Academy Maqbool Nasir. The session was presided over by RCD Council Gwadar President Haji Abdul Ghani.
In his address, Dr Malik paid rich tribute to Syed Zahoor Hashmi, describing him as one of the most influential figures in Balochi literary history. He said that after Mulla Fazil, Syed Hashmi occupied the most comprehensive and prominent position in the development of Balochi language and literature. Dr Malik praised Hashmi’s scholarly work, poetry and research, noting that his contributions had strengthened Balochi as a written and academic language.
Dr Malik also lauded the decision to dedicate the year 2026 to Syed Zahoor Hashmi, with a series of literary and cultural activities planned throughout the year. He announced additional financial support for the publication and reprinting of the late scholar’s books, saying such efforts were essential to preserving literary heritage.
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MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman assured full cooperation in organising centenary events across the country. He termed Syed Hashmi a source of pride for Gwadar and a valuable asset of Balochi literature, adding that the celebrations would help the younger generation better understand and research his work.
Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar announced that Gwadar would become the first municipality in Balochistan to install signboards in the Balochi language. He said official announcements, digital counters and future shop signboards would also be introduced in Balochi as part of efforts to promote the language.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch paid rich tribute to Syed Hashmi’s outstanding services to the Balochi language and literature.https://t.co/Q1Y3k24m6N
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 5, 2026
Other speakers highlighted Syed Hashmi’s literary, linguistic and cultural services, stressing the need to expand the use of Balochi, including as a medium of instruction.
The programme featured a poetry recital by young poets, a theatre screening by the Khairjan Art Academy, and a musical evening in which artists performed verses written by Syed Hashmi. The event concluded with the announcement that upcoming literary activities, including the Gwadar Book Fair, would also be dedicated to his memory.
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