14th edition of KLF enthrals the city

Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) is not just an event, but a movement that aims to spread the joy of reading and the light of learning

Held from February 17 to 19 at Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, the 14th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) ended on a high note last week, with a record turnout of literature lovers and art enthusiasts. The 3-day festival provided a fitting finale to a celebration of literature, art, and culture that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all those who attended. The exciting line-up of sessions ensured that attendees did not want to miss out on any of the engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations.

Commenting on the 14th edition of the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, Pakistan, said, “I am humbled and inspired by the overwhelming response we have received from our attendees. KLF is not just an event, but a movement that aims to spread the joy of reading and the light of learning across the country. I am grateful to all our speakers, panellists, and performers who have travelled from far and wide to be with us and inspire us with their thoughts, ideas and lively performances.”

This year’s festival commenced on an exciting note as cricket took to the stage as an opener on the final day. The session captivated the audience as the panel of distinguished speakers, including legendary cricketer Waseem Akram, Ali Khan, Ahmer Naqvi, and Hadeel Obaid, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion. Moderated by Nadeem Farooq Paracha, the session explored the intertwined relationship between cricket and Pakistan’s national identity and political landscape. The session also saw the launch of two books by Wasim Akram titled “Sultan” and Ali Khan’s book whose title was of the same name as the session, ‘Cricket in Pakistan: Nation, Identity and Politics.’

During the same time another part of the venue was abuzz with intellectual stimulation as the distinguished panel session of ‘Faith and Intellect’ engaged in a riveting discussion moderated by Ghazi Salahuddin. The panel consisted of leading bankers such as Kaiser Bengali, Syed Salim Raza, and Syed Shabbar Zaidi, who delved deep into the intersection of faith and reason as well as the role of intellect in religious practices.

The pressing issue of climate change and its impact on Pakistan was given the attention it deserved at the KLF, with the session ‘Climate Justice and Embedded Injustices.’ Moderated by Maha Husain, the panel of experts, including Ahmad Shabbar, Zoha Tunio, and Afia Salaam, explored the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address this looming crisis.

A number of sessions also took place titled ‘Untangling South Asia,’ ‘Searching for Peace and Security among Neighbours,’ and ‘Evolving Geopolitics: Impact on Pakistan’ that saw interesting discussions on the complex dynamics of the region. These sessions delved into the issues of security, economic development, and political stability, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing Pakistan and the South Asian region.

One of the highlights of the day was the session called ‘From Silver Screen to Mini Screen: Goldmine of OTT Media,’ which featured Safinah Danish Elahi as the moderator and joined by panellists Faseeh Bari Khan and Sanam Saeed. The panellists highlighted how digital streaming platforms especially OTT platforms have expanded the possibilities for content creators by providing more creative freedom and a wider audience reach. They also discussed the massive potential that Pakistan has for new forms of storytelling and the democratization of the media industry through these platforms.

Senator (R) Javed Jabbar and Shamim Ahmed, both prominent figures in Pakistan’s political and intellectual landscape, participated in a talk on ‘The Equitable Tax.’ The conversation cantered around issues related to tax reform and its potential impact on achieving economic equity and social justice.

In the session titled ‘Doosri Mulaqaat,’ renowned playwright Anwar Maqsood and his wife Imrana Maqsood sat down for a conversation with Ahmed Shah. The audience was thoroughly entertained and amused by their lively banter, which showcased their unique style of humour and storytelling. Without their presence, the KLF would have been missing a key component of its entertainment and engagement.

The session ‘Saints, Sufis and Shrines: The Mystical Landscape of Sindh’ drew special attention from the crowd as it explored the rich history and significance of Sufism and its impact on the culture and society of Sindh. The panellists discussed the role of Sufi saints, their teachings, and the significance of their shrines in Sindh.

As the evening drew nearer, a number of sessions took place involving renowned international intellectuals including Rassheedah Watts, Krisha Kops, Shehan Karunatilaka, Damon Galgut and Sinan Antoon.

The talk titled ‘Pakistan’s Economy: Depth and Resilience,’ led by Samiullah Siddiqi and joined by Miftah Ismail, Akbar Zaidi, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Azfar Ahsan, explored the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s economy. It also highlighted the potential of sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services in driving economic growth and pulling the country out of its current predicaments. The panellists discussed the investment potential in Pakistan and emphasized that with the right policies and incentives, Pakistan could become a highly attractive destination for foreign investment, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

During the closing ceremony, Noori’s electrifying performance left the crowd in awe. Ali Hamza and Ali Noor’s memorable hits and high-energy stage presence kept the audience engaged and entertained, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.