Pakistan Writers Guild (PWG)
Overview
The Pakistan Writers’ Guild (PWG) was established in January 1959 in Karachi, with the purpose of promoting literature, culture, and the ideological ideals of Pakistan. The Guild served as a unifying platform for writers and intellectuals from both East and West Pakistan, fostering creative collaboration and literary development during the early years of the nation’s history.
Founding and Leadership
The Guild was founded by Baba-e-Urdu Molvi Abdul Haq, a towering figure in Urdu language promotion and literary reform. Its creation was initiated by a group of leading Urdu writers, notably Qudratullah Shahab, who at that time held the position of Education Secretary of Pakistan and played a pivotal role in organising and structuring the institution.
At its founding conference, Shahid Ahmad Dehlvi was appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Professor Muhammad Enamul Haq, Director of the Bangla Academy, served as Coordinator for East Pakistan. The Guild’s first conference was attended by approximately 250 writers, reflecting widespread enthusiasm among literary circles. Qudratullah Shahab was elected as the Guild’s first Secretary-General.
Later, regional committees were established in Karachi, Lahore, and Dhaka, each consisting of 13 members, to coordinate local literary activities and promote regional representation.
Early Activities and International Recognition
In its inaugural year, the Guild organised a seminar at the Engineers’ Institution, Dhaka, focusing on Mir Mosharraf Hossain’s contribution to literature. The second seminar was held on 7 April 1961, chaired by Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah, one of the most distinguished linguists of the subcontinent.
On 21 June 1961, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognised the Pakistan Writers’ Guild as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Later that year, a delegation of six members—three each from East and West Pakistan—led by the poet Ghulam Mustafa, represented the Guild at the UNESCO Conference in Colombo (November–December 1961).
Another major seminar was held in Dhaka on 14 January 1961, followed by the fifth meeting of the Central Executive Committee on 29 January 1962, during which a six-point recommendation on copyright policy was formulated.
In March 1970, at a meeting in Karachi, Mahbub Jamal Zahedi was unanimously elected Secretary-General, continuing the Guild’s mission to represent and support writers across Pakistan.
Members and Literary Influence
The Guild attracted a wide range of prominent and progressive writers, journalists, and intellectuals from both wings of Pakistan. It served as an influential voice for literary freedom and cultural development, supporting writers from diverse linguistic and ideological backgrounds.
Awards and Recognition
To acknowledge literary excellence, the Pakistan Writers’ Guild introduced several prestigious awards:
- Adamjee Literary Prize
- Daud Prize (1963)
- National Bank Prize (1968)
- President’s Award for Pride of Performance
These awards played an important role in recognising and encouraging outstanding contributions to Urdu and regional literatures in Pakistan.
Legacy
The Pakistan Writers’ Guild remains a landmark institution in the literary history of Pakistan. It not only provided a collective voice to writers during a formative period of the nation’s development but also established a tradition of literary recognition and international engagement that influenced subsequent cultural organisations in Pakistan.
Current Elected Body of Pakistan Writers Guild, Sindh
On June 29, 2025, an important general body meeting of Pakistan Writers Guild, Sindh was held at the Gulrang Hall, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. A large number of important members of Pakistan Writers Guild, as well as writers, journalists and writers, were present in this meeting. In this, the following persons were elected with various responsibilities from the year 2025 to the next tenure;
Renowned poet and writer Mr. Ahmed Umer Shareef elected as a Secretary of Paksitan Writers Guild, Sindh
Renowned writer and IT professional Mr. Shahid Mehmood Shahid elected as a Treasurer of Pakistan Writers Guild, Sindh
And the elected organizing committee memers (Arakeen e Majlis-e-Aamla اراکین مجلس عاملہ) for Paksitan Writers Guild sindh are below;
References
- Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh — “Pakistan Writers’ Guild.”
- Dawn News (2015). “Pakistan Writers’ Guild — Founded by Baba-e-Urdu, will be revived.”
- Qudratullah Shahab, Shahab Nama (autobiography, 1987).
- Toor, Saadia (2011). The State of Islam: Culture and Cold War Politics in Pakistan. Pluto Press.
- Wikipedia — “Pakistan Writers’ Guild.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1404683/pakistan-writers-guild-announces-awards