The 15th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), a highly anticipated cultural extravaganza in Pakistan, is set to commence this week on Friday, February 16, at the Beach Luxury Hotel. This annual event is a celebration of literature, art, and intellectual discourse that draws enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
Under the theme ‘Sustainability: Words Changing Mindsets,’ this year’s KLF will bring together over 200 local and international speakers from eight different countries. With a lineup of 75 sessions covering literature, economics, environment, education, and current affairs, attendees can expect a rich tapestry of discussions and engagements. Additionally, the festival will witness the launch of at least 25 books and will feature various artistic expressions, including drama, satire, exhibitions, and film screenings.
Arshad Saeed Husain, the Managing Director of OUP Pakistan, highlighted the festival’s role as a global platform for fostering dialogue and inspiring change. He encouraged participants to actively engage in conversations aimed at challenging perspectives and exploring solutions to pressing issues.
The inaugural day of KLF will be open to the public, featuring keynote addresses by notable figures such as Pakistani architect and activist Arif Hasan and British-Palestinian lawyer and writer Selma Dabbagh, followed by a poetic performance by Nighat Choudhry. Over the weekend, the festival will host distinguished speakers including academic Joseph Massad, political scientist Dr. Martin Axmann, journalist Hasnain Kazim, novelist Mohsin Hamid, and many others.
The festival’s diverse programming will encompass talks on Urdu poetry, sustainability, political transformations, and a grand Mushaira led by poet Iftikhar Arif. Attendees can expect enlightening discussions on literature, governance, urban dynamics, storytelling, human rights, and sustainability, providing ample opportunities for intellectual engagement.
The event will culminate on Sunday, February 18, with keynote remarks by scholars Najeeba Arif and Joseph Massad, honoring KLF literary heroes, followed by a captivating Sufi Qawwali performance by Qawwal Najmuddin Saifuddin and Brothers.
