Abbottabad literature festival concludes on inspiring note

ABBOTTABAD: The 3rd Abbottabad Literature Festival concluded here on Thursday after two days of literary and cultural activities.The festival was organised by Bazm-e-Ilm-o-Fun Pakistan (Hazara Branch) in collaboration with Modernage Public School and College.

The organisers said the event was aimed at promoting a love for literature, language and culture among the youth through engaging sessions, competitions and workshops.Senior journalist Hamid Mir had inaugurated the festival as chief guest. In a Question & Answer session moderated by Sabookh Syed, he stressed that truth, sincerity and integrity were the greatest strengths of any professional, urging the youth to strive for Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a democratic Pakistan.

The day one featured artiste Sania Saeed in a conversation with Abdul Wahid Mir, where clips of her performances were screened. The day two focused on student-centered contests, including Urdu spelling and pronunciation, storytelling in regional languages, poetry, and inter-school elocution.

Workshops were also conducted, including a hands-on art session by Pak-Austria University, a dynamic history-through-literature presentation by Umair Jalianwala, and discussions on Pakistani English poetry by Shagufta Aamer and Ilona Yousaf.

Another highlight was a session on Jawad Sharif’s documentaries, explained by Syeda Kashmala Jawad, underscoring the role of films in addressing social issues. Skits, songs, and ghazals performed by students added youthful energy to the festival.

The closing session featured humorous poet Dr Inaam-ul-Haq Javed, whose witty recitation kept the audience in laughter. The session was presided over by Fata Tribunal Chairman Zaheer-ul-Islam. With bookstalls, cultural performances, and lively discussions, the Abbottabad Literature Festival concluded on an inspiring note, celebrating the unifying power of literature, art, and culture.