Gwadar Dedicates 2026 to Literary Icon Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi; Announces Official Use of Balochi Language

GWADAR: The coastal city of Gwadar has officially launched a year-long series of events to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary linguist and poet, Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi. The centenary celebrations, which kicked off recently at the RCD Council’s auditorium, served as a platform not only to honor the scholar’s legacy but also to announce significant administrative changes regarding the native language in local governance.

A Landmark Year for Balochi Literature

The inaugural ceremony was a collaborative effort involving the Gwadar Municipal Committee alongside various literary and cultural organizations. The central theme of the gathering was the dedication of the year 2026 to Syed Hashmi, ensuring that his contributions to the Balochi language remain at the forefront of cultural discourse throughout the province.

Former Chief Minister of Balochistan, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, attended as the chief guest. During his address, he placed Syed Hashmi on a high pedestal within the region’s literary history, comparing his comprehensive influence to that of the classical poet Mulla Fazil. Dr. Malik praised the decision to celebrate the scholar’s centenary and pledged financial assistance to facilitate the publication of Hashmi’s literary works, ensuring they reach a wider audience.

Municipal Governance to Adopt Balochi

In a major development for local administration, Gwadar Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar announced a new policy to integrate the local language into the city’s infrastructure.

According to the Chairman, Gwadar is set to become the first municipality in Balochistan to install street signage in the Balochi language. The initiative extends beyond street signs; the municipal office plans to introduce digital counters and conduct official announcements in Balochi. There is also a proposal to encourage shopkeepers across the port city to adopt Balochi for their commercial signboards, aiming to reflect the region’s linguistic identity in its urban landscape.

Connecting Youth to Heritage

Local MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, who also addressed the gathering, termed Syed Hashmi a "national asset" and the pride of Gwadar. He emphasized that the year-long celebrations are crucial for the younger generation, providing them with a structured opportunity to research and understand the depth of Hashmi’s philosophy and linguistic work. He assured full support for organizing related events across Pakistan.

Cultural Festivities and Future Plans

The event went beyond speeches, featuring a vibrant display of Balochistan’s artistic talent. The Khairjan Art Academy screened a theatre performance, while a musical segment saw renowned artists singing poetry penned by Syed Hashmi. A dedicated poetry recital gave young poets a stage to pay homage to the literary giant.

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of eventually adopting Balochi as a medium of instruction in education to truly preserve the language. It was also announced that upcoming major events in the city, including the Gwadar Book Fair, will be themed around Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi to maintain the momentum of the centenary celebrations.