From Page to Stage: 10th Islamabad Literature Festival Highlights Pakistan’s Literary Legacy and Future
Islamabad: The 10th Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF) Concludes with Inspirational Sessions and Cultural Highlights
The 10th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), themed “Words Change Mindsets,” wrapped up with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium last evening. The festival featured a diverse program of fifty intellectually stimulating sessions, including movie screenings, dance performances, mushairas (poetry recitals), theatre productions, and a captivating Sufi night. Over 100 renowned figures from the worlds of literature and art participated as speakers, panelists, and guests, sharing their expertise and reflections.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of such events, distinguished writer and critic Muneeza Shamsie remarked, “ILF has demonstrated the unifying power of words, fostering dialogue and inspiring change across societal divides.” Poet and author Najeeba Arif added, “Literature helps shape our perspectives, allowing us to experience the world through the eyes of others.”
Mohammad Mikail Soomro, Head of Corporate Communications at Getz Pharma, emphasized the importance of supporting literary platforms, stating, “We are proud to be part of an initiative that encourages intellectual discourse and nurtures Pakistan’s vibrant literary culture.”
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, expressed gratitude to all those involved in the festival, stating, “Our passion and commitment lie in ensuring that literature continues to inspire change and foster a more progressive and equitable society. We are fortunate to have found an expanding community of like-minded individuals who share our mission.”
The final day of the festival saw the launch of several notable books. Umber Khairi’s Akbar in Wonderland was discussed in an engaging conversation with Aamir Ghauri, in which Khairi explored her protagonist’s struggles with the social and political challenges of the 1990s. In the Urdu fiction category, Mazahir o Mubahis by Najeeba Arif was explored in dialogue with Abid Hussain Sial, focusing on themes of cultural identity and modernity. Shahid Siddiqui’s Toronto, Dubai, and Manchester was discussed by Asghar Nadeem Syed, as the author narrated his journey through the socio-political landscapes of three cities.
M. Athar Tahir’s Telling Twilight was introduced through a poetic exploration of nature and nostalgia, with filmmaker Ammar Aziz engaging with Tahir on his work. Pani Pe Likhi Kahani by Muhammad Asim Butt was launched in a discussion with Qasim Yaqoob, where Butt reflected on the themes of time and memory. A heartfelt session was held for My Friend Mairaj: An Intimate Biography by Shamim Ahmad, who, in conversation with Safiya Aftab, shared personal memories of the late Mairaj Muhammad Khan.
In a special session on English poetry, Poetry in English from Pakistan, edited by Ilona Yusuf and Shafiq Naz, was launched. A panel of poets, including Naeem Pasha, Rayan Khan, Alamgir Hashmi, Harris Khalique, and Waqas Naeem, among others, presented their works and engaged in a lively discussion on the rich tradition of English-language poetry in Pakistan, moderated by Ammar Aziz.
A series of thought-provoking panel discussions covered a wide range of socio-cultural topics. Season 2 of Capital Talk featured a conversation between Hamid Mir and Meher Bukhari, exploring pressing issues in journalism and public discourse. Social Media: Free Speech vs. Censorship brought together Farnood Alam, Husnain Jamal, and Munizae Jahangir, moderated by Khayyam Mushir, who discussed the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with responsible content regulation.
In Visual Journey: Documenting the National Art Gallery of Pakistan, moderated by Hammad Husain, the discussion highlighted the importance of preserving Pakistan’s artistic heritage. Naeem Pasha’s philosophy of humility and accessibility in art was also featured, with his assertion that “Sango Khesht has to be subservient to Art and Culture” capturing the audience’s attention.
A deep dive into the evolving identity of Urdu literature in Pakistan took place in Pakistani Urdu Adab ke Khud-o-Khaal, with voices like Zehra Nigah, Iftikhar Arif, and Abid Hussain Sial exploring the rich history and future of Urdu literary traditions. The session Urban Dialogues: Decoding Islamabad’s Dynamics examined the capital’s urban growth and social shifts, featuring Naeem Pasha, Fauzia Asad Khan, and others, moderated by Hamid M. Husain.
In a discussion on the role of education in shaping the future workforce, Our Education System and the Future Workforce Needs brought together experts like A.H. Nayyar, Faisal Mushtaq, Shahid Siddiqui, and Shoaiba Mansoor, who emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in the educational system to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.
Other important sessions included How Pakistan Can Capture Its Share of the $2 Trillion AI Market, Contemporary Pakistani Anglophone Fiction, and We the People and Our Constitution, which delved into topics ranging from artificial intelligence to constitutional rights and the challenges of forming a literary canon for Pakistani English literature.
The festival concluded with a deeply moving Sufi night performance by Akbar Ali Khan, leaving the audience with a sense of introspection and inspiration. The ILF once again demonstrated the power of literature to inspire change, foster understanding, and promote empathy across society.
About Oxford University Press:
Oxford University Press (OUP), a branch of the University of Oxford, is a leading global publisher producing educational materials, journals, dictionaries, children’s books, and more. Established in 1478, OUP is the world’s largest university press, operating in over 50 countries and publishing in more than 90 languages.
About OUP Pakistan:
Oxford University Press Pakistan, founded in 1952, focuses on publishing educational materials, academic works, and reference books. It is committed to promoting literacy and supporting local authors. With offices in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan, OUP Pakistan plays a key role in shaping the educational and literary landscape of the country.
