ILF celebrates decade of literary excellence by showcasing sustainability

Islamabad: The 10th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), one of Pakistan’s most anticipated literary events, is set to take place from 8th to 10th November 2024 at Gandhara Citizen’s Club, Fatima Jinnah (F-9) Park.

Organized by Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan in collaboration with Getz Pharma, this year’s ILF celebrates its decennial with the theme, “Sustainability: Words Change Mindsets.” This annual festival of literature, arts, and intellectual exchange promises a dynamic array of voices, ideas, and perspectives, creating an enriching experience for literature enthusiasts, writers, scholars, and the general public. With 55 sessions and 15 book launches, ILF 2024 offers an extensive line-up of discussions, workshops, and cultural activities.

Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP Pakistan, emphasized the importance of sustainability and the transformative power of words. He highlighted the festival’s role in inspiring change, challenging outdated perspectives, and celebrating the art of storytelling. “Literature has the unique power to shape perspectives, inspire action, and drive societal change. As we celebrate the 10th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival, we’re not only looking back on a decade of fostering dialogue but also forward to a future where words can lead us to a more sustainable and inclusive world. ILF serves as a vital platform for meaningful conversations that challenge conventional thinking and ignite new ideas, empowering individuals to contribute towards a better Pakistan.” This year’s ILF will feature renowned authors, poets, and intellectuals from around the world, who will engage in panel discussions on literature, history, current affairs, and socio-political issues.

The inaugural keynote address will be delivered by Jane Marriott CMG OBE, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, alongside distinguished speakers Zehra Nigah (renowned poet), Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan representative to the UN), Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Rana Sikandar Hayat, Provincial Minister of School Education for Punjab, Iftikhar Arif, Urdu Poet, Scholar and Littérateur, and Najeeba Arif, Eminent Scholar, Creative Writer, Critic and Researcher. With an impressive roster of national and international speakers, ILF’s 10th edition continues its mission of fostering cultural dialogue, literary discourse, and the exchange of diverse perspectives.

Notable participants include Hamid Mir, Nasim Zehra, Faisal Bari, Kishwar Naheed, Anwar Masood, Alamgir Hashmi, Baela Raza Jamil, Andrew Coombe, Muneeza Shamsie, and many others. The festival will also feature a book fair, offering a diverse selection of books from various genres, giving attendees the chance to explore and purchase works by their favourite authors. Cultural performances, including music, dance, and other forms of artistic expression, will showcase Pakistan’s vibrant art scene, allowing attendees to experience the richness of Pakistani culture.