Islamabad Literature Festival
Oxford University Press (OUP) inaugurated the 9th Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF) at the Gandhara Citizen Club in Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad, on Friday. The event provided a captivating exploration of literature in all its forms, featuring renowned authors and experts engaged in discussions and delivering keynote speeches.
The theme for this year’s event is “People, Planet, Possibilities,” serving as a call to action to encourage collaboration among individuals, communities, and organizations for a more sustainable and inclusive world. It envisions numerous possibilities achievable through collective efforts guided by purpose and vision.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP Pakistan, began the session by expressing gratitude to the attendees and highlighting the significant impact of literary festivals. He stressed the importance of celebrating diverse perspectives and their constructive effects in fostering a cultural shift.
Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, expressed gratitude for the global recognition achieved by Pakistani authors, especially those writing in English. She emphasized the power of literature in unleashing imagination, self-expression, and creativity, offering a gateway to a deeper understanding of human experiences. Marriott also mentioned the deep connections in education and culture between the UK and Pakistan.
Khalid Mahmood, Managing Director of Getz Pharma Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the importance of sustainability and inclusivity. He stated that a sustainable world welcomes everyone to share in its abundance, irrespective of their background. Inclusivity, he noted, is crucial for sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a greener and more equitable planet.
Iftikhar Arif, a prominent Urdu poet, scholar, and literary figure from Pakistan, advocated for the recognition of various languages, spoken and written, at the state level. He expressed deep sympathies regarding the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the region’s need for peace.
Victoria Schofield, a British author, biographer, and historian, expressed her delight at being back in Pakistan and her eagerness to explore the 9th edition of ILF.
The ceremony concluded with a moving interpretation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s ‘Lao to Qatal Nama Mera’ by Zahshanne Malik, a renowned actor, performer, artist, and dancer.
Subsequent sessions delved into Iqbal’s poetry, Pakistan’s mangroves, and religious freedom. Additionally, two art exhibitions curated by connoisseurs Qudus Mirza, Ammar Faiz, and Fauzia Minhalla were showcased during the festival, offering an opportunity to appreciate various forms of artistic expression.
