Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest 8th edition kicks off

LAHORE : The Alhamra lit up with brilliance on the opening day of the 8th Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest, a spectacular two-day intellectual gathering that mesmerised attendees with its vibrant ambiance and stimulating scholarly discourse.

The event became a dynamic hub for policymakers, analysts, academics, environmentalists, avid readers, and literary enthusiasts. It fostered profound discussions, deep explorations, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, creating an environment of intellectual vibrancy and creativity.

This year’s festival brought together a stellar lineup of luminaries, including renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated author Mohsin Hamid, esteemed diplomat Hina Rabbani Khar, prominent economist Miftah Ismail, and visionary policymaker Rashid Mahmood Langrial.

Their presence elevated the event, drawing wide acclaim and sparking thought-provoking debates.

Adding a cultural flourish, the festival features a vibrant Lohri celebration at the scenic Alhamra Gardens, infusing the scholarly atmosphere with joyous tradition and festive charm.

The second day of the event will commence today at 11AM, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of thought and culture.

ThinkFest 2025 brought together intellectuals, writers, filmmakers, and policymakers at the Alhamra Arts Council to foster insightful discourse on diverse societal, literary, and cultural issues.

Mira Nair and Mohsin Hamid reflect on storytelling

In a session titled ‘Still the Reluctant Fundamentalist?’ moderated by Bilal Tanweer of LUMS, celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair and author Mohsin Hamid discussed the cultural and emotional significance of The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Hamid shared the genesis of his novel, highlighting its exploration of post-9/11 identity struggles. Nair reminisced about her ancestral connection to Lahore and the challenges of adapting the novel into a critically acclaimed film.

Celebrating Bapsi Sidhwa’s legacy

In another session, a panel featuring educationalists Shaista Sonnu Sirajuddin, Asma Niaz, Perin Cooper Boga, and Mina Malik celebrated Bapsi Sidhwa’s work. Drawing from her seminal The Ice-Candy Man, the speakers explored how Sidhwa immortalised pre-partition Lahore and its Parsi community. Discussions ranged from her cinematic adaptations to the relevance of her narratives in contemporary Pakistan.

Addressing Pakistan's political challenges,

prominent journalists and politicians analysed Pakistan’s political landscape in a session moderated by Mehmal Sarfaraz. Panelists Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Barrister Ali Zafar, and Malik Ahmad Khan debated topics like media censorship, societal polarisation, and establishment influence. The dialogue highlighted pressing issues such as unrest in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and emphasised the need for a renewed political charter.

Rethinking Financial Structures

In a spirited discussion, FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial and former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail debated Pakistan’s tax policies and economic priorities. Addressing public discontent over taxation, they agreed on the urgent need for equitable tax reforms and efficient federal-province collaboration to ensure value for taxpayers.

Examining Gender Dynamics

A panel comprising legal, feminist, and human rights advocates explored gender and societal expectations in the session ‘Girl Child or Little Woman? Marriage, Work, and Play’. Topics included child marriages, intersex rights, and violence against children. Lawyer Mehrunissa Sajjad underscored the importance of legal protections, while Afiya Zia highlighted colonial and cultural influences shaping gender norms. Panelists stressed the need for education and advocacy to protect vulnerable children.

ThinkFest 2025 demonstrated the transformative potential of dialogue in addressing critical societal challenges, honoring cultural icons, and inspiring collective action.