The year 2026 has been formally dedicated to the centenary of eminent Baloch poet, writer, researcher and intellectual Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi, marking 100 years since his birth.
The announcement was made during a grand and well-attended ceremony held at the RCDC Hall in Gwadar, where a large number of youths, elders and children participated. The packed hall reflected the deep respect and affection people continue to hold for the towering literary figure.
The event was jointly organised by RCDC, Syed Hashmi Academy, Gwadar Jeevs, Gwadar University, Khair Jan Academy, Barna Labzanki Gul and the Gwadar Musical Balochi Promoter Society, with full support from the Gwadar Municipal Committee.
The proceedings were conducted by Nasir Rahim Sohrabi. Former Balochistan chief minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and Balochistan assembly member Hidayat-ur-Rehman attended the ceremony as chief guests. Several prominent figures were also present on stage, including Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar, RCDC Gwadar President Abdul Ghani Nawazish, Syed Hashmi Academy representative Majid Sohrabi, Culture Department representative from Quetta Dawood Tareen, and Syed Hashmi Academy President Ali Issa, all of whom addressed the gathering.
Speakers paid rich tribute to Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi’s immense contributions to the Balochi language and literature. They noted that despite suffering from serious illnesses and living a short life of just 52 years, Hashmi authored dozens of books and numerous poetry collections, laying a strong intellectual foundation for modern Balochi literature. His close associate, Allah Bakhsh Johar, was also acknowledged for standing alongside him throughout his scholarly journey. The speakers recalled that Hashmi initially began his literary career in Urdu poetry before dedicating his life entirely to the Balochi language.
During the event, Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar made a significant announcement, stating that all official boards and signboards in Gwadar would henceforth be written in the Balochi language, describing the move as a historic step towards promoting the local language.
On behalf of the Syed Hashmi Academy, special appreciation was extended to former MPA Mir Abdul Ghafoor Kalmaty, Majid Sohrabi and former chief minister Dr.G Abdul Malik Baloch for their support in publishing Hashmi’s remaining unpublished works.
Prominent personalities from Gwadar, Makran and other parts of Balochistan attended the ceremony, underscoring the belief that nations which honour their intellectual forebears remain culturally alive. The event concluded with recitations by local poets, who presented their poetry in tribute to Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi. A large stall displaying Balochi books was also set up in the courtyard of the RCDC, drawing considerable interest from attendees.