Zubair Qureshi
The 9th edition of the 3-day Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF)—a vibrant celebration of fresh ideas, creative perspectives, and above all the venue where one could see and listen to the well-known, highly admired literary figures—kicked off at Gandhara Citizen Club in Fatima Jinnah (F-9) Park on Friday.
Organized under the Oxford University Press (OUP) the exciting event offered a captivating exploration of literature in all its forms, featuring renowned authors and experts engaged in discussions and delivering keynote speeches.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and Interim Minister for Information & Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi were among the guests who attended the inaugural ceremony.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, OUP Pakistan, commenced the session by extending his thanks to the distinguished attendees. He underscored the significant impact of literary festivals, stressing that fostering a cultural shift depends on the celebration of diverse perspectives and their constructive effects. He said, “Literature stands as a testament to human resilience and provides a beacon of light in the darkest of times. Let us collectively look beyond uncertainty and embrace the beauty that tomorrow holds.”
“People, Planet, Possibilities” is the theme of the event this year, serving as a call to action, encouraging individuals, communities, and organizations to collaborate in the pursuit of a more sustainable and inclusive world. It envisions a multitude of possibilities that can be achieved through collective efforts guided by purpose and vision.
Jane Marriott expressed gratitude for the recognition that Pakistani authors, especially those writing in the English language, had attained at a global level. She stated, “To allow yourself to be lost and unleash your imagination makes you realize how powerful all forms of literature are. Words offer us a world of self-expression and creativity and are a gateway to a greater understanding of our experiences.” She also referred to the relations between the UK and Pakistan, particularly the profound connections in education and culture. Iftikhar Arif, prominent Urdu poet, scholar, and literary figure from Pakistan, spoke about various languages, both spoken and written and felt that those need recognition at state’s level as well.
