ISLAMABAD: Oxford University Press (OUP) has unveiled the schedule for the 9th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), a three-day literary extravaganza set to occur from November 3 to 5, 2023, at the Gandhara Citizen Club in F-9 Park. The vast park grounds will provide a vibrant setting for this eagerly awaited occasion.
Under the overarching theme of ‘People, Planet, Possibilities,’ ILF promises a diverse array of captivating keynote speeches, engaging discussions, book launches, exhibitions, and film screenings.
The inaugural event on Friday, November 3, will be open to the public and will feature thought-provoking addresses by Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP; Jane Marriott, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom; and Khalid Mahmood, Managing Director of Getz Pharma Pvt. Ltd. The event will also include keynote presentations by the distinguished British author, biographer, and historian, Victoria Schofield, and the renowned Urdu poet, Iftikhar Arif, who holds accolades such as Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and Presidential Pride of Performance. The event will conclude with a beautiful literary performance.
Staying true to its tradition of celebrating Urdu poetry, the program includes a grand Mushaira presided over by Iftikhar Arif, and a Ghazal Night featuring the maestro Ustad Hamid Ali Khan on the second and third evenings, respectively.
All informative and literary discussions will be led by prominent experts, including Dr. Ishrat Husain, Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Mohammad Aurangzeb, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Saquib Ahmad, Dr. Farzana Bari, Dr. Najeeba Arif, Nasir Abbas Nayyar, Kishwar Naheed, Nasira Zuberi, Omar Shahid Hamid, Muneeza Shamsie, Harris Khalique, Hamid Khan, Zahid Hussain, Nasim Zehra, Hamid Mir, Asma Shirazi, Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Khaled Anam, Sarmad Khoosat, and Beo Zafar. Their diverse perspectives will enrich the sessions over the three days, exploring a wide range of captivating topics, from the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence and developments in education to contemporary literature, endangered languages, the role of women in publishing, changing business dynamics, and foreign policy, among others. The event will also introduce the UK’s leading Examination Board, ‘OxfordAQA,’ known worldwide for its academic excellence and alignment with the UK education system. It will soon be available in Pakistan as the preferred option for examinations.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP, expressed his enthusiasm for the growing popularity of literature festivals, emphasizing their role in broadening horizons and reinforcing the ethical and cultural perspectives in society.
The 9th Edition of ILF is being organized in 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, attracting attendees from various walks of life in and around Islamabad. It serves as a celebration of literary works while paying tribute to the significant contributions of thought to the evolution of human civilization.
