Karachi, February 19, 2023: The 14th Karachi Literature Festival ended on a high note, with a huge turnout of literature enthusiasts on the third and final day. The exciting lineup of sessions ensured that attendees did not want to miss out on any of the engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations. The festival provided a fitting finale to a celebration of literature, art, and culture that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all those who attended.
Commenting on this year’s momentum of KLF, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP said, “I am humbled and inspired by the overwhelming response we have received from our attendees. KLF is not just an event, but a movement that aims to spread the joy of reading and the light of learning across the country. I am grateful to all our speakers, panelists, and performers who have traveled from far and wide to be with us and inspire us with their thoughts and ideas.”
Karachi Literature Festival’s 14th edition commenced on an exciting note as cricket took to the stage as an opener on the final day. The session captivated the audience as the panel of distinguished speakers, including legendary cricketer Waseem Akram, Ali Khan, Ahmer Naqvi, and Hadeel Obaid, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion. Moderated by Nadeem Farooq Paracha, the session explored the intertwined relationship between cricket and Pakistan’s national identity and political landscape. The session also saw the launch of two books by Wasim Akram titled “Sultan” and Ali Khan’s book whose title was of the same name as the session, “Cricket in Pakistan: Nation, Identity and Politics”.
During the same time the Jasmine Hall was abuzz with intellectual stimulation as the distinguished panel session of “Faith and Intellect” engaged in a riveting discussion moderated by Ghazi Salahuddin. The panel consisted of thought leaders Kaiser Bengali, Syed Salim Raza, and Syed Shabbar Zaidi, who delved deep into the intersection of faith and reason as well as the role of intellect in religious practices.
The pressing issue of climate change and its impact on Pakistan was given the attention it deserved at the KLF, with the session “Climate Justice and Embedded Injustices.” Moderated by Maha Husain, the panel of experts, including Ahmad Shabbar, Zoha Tunio, and Afia Salaam, explored the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address this looming crisis.
As the day carried on, a number of sessions took place titled “Untangling South Asia”, “Searching for Peace and Security Among Neighbours” and “Evolving Geopolitics: Impact on Pakistan” that saw interesting discussions on the complex dynamics of the region. These sessions delved into the issues of security, economic development, and political stability, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing Pakistan and the South Asian region.
One of the highlights of the day was the session called “From Silver Screen to Mini Screen: Goldmine of OTT Media” which featured Safinah Danish Elahi as the moderator and joined by panelists Faseeh Bari Khan and Sanam Saeed. The panelists highlighted how digital streaming platforms especially OTT platforms have expanded the possibilities for content creators by providing more creative freedom and a wider audience reach. They also discussed the massive potential that Pakistan has for new forms of storytelling and the democratization of the media industry through these platforms.
Javed Jabbar and Shamim Ahmed, both prominent figures in Pakistan’s political and intellectual landscape, participated in a talk on “The Equitable Tax”. The conversation centered around issues related to tax reform and its potential impact on achieving economic equity and social justice.
What would KLF be without the wit and humor of Anwar Maqsood. In the session titled “Duusri Mulaqaat”, he and his wife Imrana Maqsood sat down for a conversation with Ahmed Shah at the Main Garden at KLF. The audience was thoroughly entertained and amused by their lively banter, which showcased their unique style of humor and storytelling. Without their presence, the KLF would have been missing a key component of its entertainment and engagement.
The session “Saints, Sufis and Shrines: The Mystical Landscape of Sindh” drew special attention from the crowd as it explored the rich history and significance of Sufism and its impact on the culture and society of Sindh. The panelists discussed the role of Sufi saints, their teachings, and the significance of their shrines in Sindh.
As the evening drew nearer, a number of sessions took place involving renowned international intellectuals including Rassheedah Watts, Krisha Kops, Shehan Karunatilaka, Damon Galgut and Sinan Antoon.
The talk titled “Pakistan’s Economy: Depth and Resilience” led by Samiullah Siddiqi and joined by Miftah Ismail, Akbar Zaidi, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Azfar Ahsan explored the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s economy. It also highlighted the potential of sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services in driving economic growth and pulling the country out of its current predicaments. The panelists discussed the investment potential in Pakistan and emphasized that with the right policies and incentives, Pakistan could become a highly attractive destination for foreign investment, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
During the closing ceremony, Noori’s electrifying performance left the crowd in awe as they made their way to the Main Garden. Ali Hamza and Ali Noor’s memorable hits and high-energy stage presence kept the audience engaged and entertained, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
