ISLAMABAD: The 9th Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), a three-day celebration of literature, is scheduled to take place at the Gandhara Citizen Club in F-9 Park from November 3 to 5. This highly anticipated event is organized by Oxford University Press (OUP) and will be set against the backdrop of the spacious park grounds.
The festival, themed ‘People, Planet, Possibilities,’ promises a diverse range of engaging activities, including keynote speeches, discussions, book launches, exhibitions, and film screenings.
The inaugural day on November 3 will be open to the public and feature insightful addresses from Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP; Jane Marriott, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom; and Khalid Mahmood, Managing Director of Getz Pharma Pvt. Ltd. The day will also include keynotes from renowned British author and historian Victoria Schofield and eminent Urdu poet Iftikhar Arif, culminating in a captivating literary performance.
Continuing its tradition of celebrating Urdu poetry, the festival’s program includes a grand Mushaira presided over by Iftikhar Arif and a Ghazal Night featuring Ustad Hamid Ali Khan on the second and third evenings, respectively.
Distinguished experts such as Dr. Ishrat Husain, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, and Nasira Zuberi will lead informative and literary discussions, covering a wide range of captivating topics over the three days. These discussions will delve into subjects like the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence, Contemporary Literature, Changing Business Dynamics, and Foreign Policy, among others.
An introduction to the UK’s leading Examination Board, ‘OxfordAQA,’ is also on the agenda, offering a globally renowned option for examinations in Pakistan.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing popularity of literature festivals, highlighting how ILF and KLF have become invaluable resources for enriching cultural and ethical perspectives in society.
The 9th edition of ILF is made possible through collaboration with CDA, Getz Pharma Pakistan, Kaizen Paint Pvt Ltd, the British Council, and other supporters. ILF holds a special place in the hearts of literature enthusiasts, drawing attendees from all walks of life in and around Islamabad. It serves as a tribute to literary achievements and recognizes the significant role of intellectual discourse in advancing human civilization.
