15th Karachi Literature Festival set to begin tomorrow

The Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), one of Pakistan’s most anticipated cultural events, is back for its 15th edition. Scheduled from February 16 to 18 at Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, the festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, art, and intellectual discourse.

Under the theme of ‘Sustainability: Words changing Mindsets,’ the 15th KLF will feature over 200 local and international speakers representing eight countries participating in 75 sessions covering a diverse range of topics, including literature, economy, environment, education, and current affairs. Additionally, guests can expect 25 book launches alongside engaging activities such as drama, satire, exhibitions, film screenings, and various artistic expressions.

The inaugural event on February 16 will include keynote speeches by renowned figures such as Pakistani architect and activist Arif Hasan, as well as British-Palestinian lawyer and writer Selma Dabbagh, followed by a performance on Faiz’s poetry by the talented Nighat Choudhry.

Over the weekend, KLF will host distinguished speakers, including Jordanian academic Joseph Massad, political scientist Dr Martin Axmann, and award-winning journalist Hasnain Kazim, acclaimed novelist and writer Mohsin Hamid, French journalist and novelist Kenize Mourad, fiction writer Claire Chambers, poets Michael Cirelli and Ronya Othman, poets Zehra Nigah and Kishwar Naheed, short story writer Noorul Huda Shah, and novelist Bina Shah among others. There will be sessions on Urdu poetry, sustainability, political reforms, and a grand Mushaira to be presided over by Iftikhar Arif.

KLF offerings will feature insightful discussions on books, ethical governance, urban dynamics, comedy, storytelling, human rights, and sustainability offering guests a rich tapestry of intellectual engagement. The much-awaited book of Maleeha Lodhi titled “Pakistan: Search for Stabilty” will be launched. A special homage will be paid to the legendary Madam Noor Jehan in a session aptly titled “Noor Jahan Suroor Jahan” with Nazia Ejaz Khan, Salima Hashmi and Ahmed Ali Butt. Another session “Sustainability and the Evolving New World Order” will debate on ideas that are stable, inclusive, and beneficial to all.

The Crystal Edition celebrations will close with keynote speeches by eminent scholars Najeeba Arif and Joseph Massad and will honour KLF literary legends followed by a soul-stirring Sufi Qawwali performance by Qawal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers.

Managing Director OUP Pakistan Arshad Saeed Husain emphasized the festival’s role as a global bridge connecting hearts and minds, and encouraged the guests to “participate in conversations that inspire change and challenge perspectives.” The idea is not just to talk about these critical issues but to deliberate on finding solutions. “I hope that is what the intellectuals, scholars, and thought leaders will engage in over these three days. This festival is a testament to the power of the written word and the vital role it plays in shaping our communities.”

Curated by the OUP, the festival remains dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Pakistani society. The Karachi Literature Festival invites all enthusiasts to embark on this intellectual journey, celebrating the transformative power of words and nurturing a deeper appreciation for literature.