Literary moot celebrates KP languages and literature

PESHAWAR: The recent two-day literary conference brought together writers, poets and cultural figures from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to provide them a platform to not only celebrate regional languages and literature but also engage with broader themes of identity, heritage and the evolving cultural landscape of the province.

Organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), the conference titled “Literature of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Contemporary Perspective” aimed to capture the evolving essence of regional literature in the province.

The event also marked the formal inauguration of the “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Writers’ House,” a new home for creative voices in the provincial metropolis.KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi was the chief guest at the inaugural session. He opened the Writers’ House and said. “Literature reflects the conscience of a society. And I have full faith in the creative minds of this region. The Governor’s House will always remain open for those who speak through pen and passion,” he assured.

He lauded the Academy’s efforts to preserve regional languages - Pashto, Hindko, Saraiki, Khowar and others - and promised institutional support for expanding the role of literature in society, particularly among youth.

Dr Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of Pakistan Academy of Letters and president of the session, set the tone in her keynote address. “Language is more than communication - it is culture, it is thought, it is memory,” she remarked.

Other speakers, Dr. Gulzar Jalal, Dr. Salman Ali Shah, Muhammad Ziauudin, Noorul Amin Yousafzai and Syed Majid Shah, underlined the need to protect and amplify regional voices in Pakistan’s broader literary narrative.

One of the most anticipated parts of the first day was a multilingual mushaira - a traditional poetry recital that became a beautiful chorus of Urdu, Pashto, Hindko, Saraiki and Khowar.

The second day delved deeper into the province’s literary richness. Six thematic sessions explored critical issues: the historical and present challenges facing provincial literature, the growth of fiction and children’s literature and the role of theatre in social awareness.

Discussions on fiction revealed an exciting trend - regional writers are increasingly weaving local culture into narratives that address contemporary social themes. Meanwhile, poetry sessions highlighted how newer voices are keeping traditional forms alive while pushing boundaries.

Another dialogue centered around children’s literature and curriculum design. “Children’s stories in our languages must not only entertain but educate, affirm and empower,” said one of the speakers.

He said lack of access to age-appropriate content in regional languages was a big challenge, which could be addressed through collaboration between writers, educators and policymakers.The most attractive session was on linguistic diversity. Presenters argued that the preservation of languages such as Hindko and Khowar was in fact about keeping entire worldviews alive. Thus, the conference became not just a cultural event, but a call to action.

What made the conference exceptional was its inclusivity. Voices from across the region - urban and rural, young and seasoned, traditional and experimental - were given equal space.Academic papers, poetic performances and spontaneous conversations all contributed to an atmosphere of reflection and renewal.

The final sessions wrapped up with recommendations: increase literary programmes for youth, translate more works across languages, and support publications in marginalized tongues. Organizers and participants agreed that the conference was more than an event and it was a milestone.

Prof Dr Gulzar Jalal, the main organizer of the event and PAL regional head (honorary), told The News that the conference was a testimony to the fact that literature in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was alive, evolving, and deep-rooted.“The province, rich with linguistic and cultural diversity, now has a stronger platform to tell its stories not only at the national level, but abroad”, he said.