In an era increasingly shaped by digital fragmentations, Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi, stood out as a beacon of intellectual vibrancy, cultural dialogue, and artistic excellence by hosting the 2nd Fatimians’ Literature Festival (FLF 2026). Organized by the Department of English in vibrant collaboration with the Department of Urdu Zaban-o-Adab and the Department of Anthropology, the 3-day extravaganza spanning from October 20 to 22, 2026, built upon the rich heritage of its inaugural edition in 2023. Beyond an academic gathering, FLF 2026 unfolded as an extraordinary celebration of literary expression, critical inquiry, and female leadership in organizing large scale cultural events. Anchored around the core theme, “Reading Peace, Writing Change: Celebrating Literacy, Literature, and Human Connection,” the festival highlighted the transformative prowess of literature in dismantling prejudices, nurturing empathy, and building an inclusive, harmonious society.
The festival opened on October 20thwith a magnificent inaugural ceremony attended by a galaxy of academic luminaries, literary figures, and scholars. Prof. Dr. Najiba Arif, former Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while celebrated author and legal and policy-reform expert Dr. Osama Siddique attended as the Guest of Honour. The presence of FJWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza (Pride of Performance, T.I.), Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Sarwet Rasul, Chairperson Department of English Dr. Uzma Imtiaz, and Festival Coordinator Dr. Zain-ul-Maqsood, along with a massive gathering of faculty and students, reflected the institution’s deep-rooted commitment to the arts. Following the opening remarks, an enriching reading session moderated by Dr. Akifa Imtiaz (Associate Professor and Director Academics) captivated the audience. Prof. Dr. Najiba Arif delivered a deeply moving reading from her memoir, “Raagni Ki Khoj Main”, while Dr. Osama Siddique presented evocative excerpts from three of his acclaimed literary works: “Snuffing Out the Moon”, an epic spanning six epochs of South Asian history; “Ghuroob-e-Shehr Ka Waqt”, his debut Urdu novel lamenting urban decay; and “Who Knows the Bounds of Desire”, a poignant narrative depicting the city as a repository of human aspirations and forgotten histories. The evening culminated in a spellbinding Mushaira at the New Auditorium, organized by the Department of Urdu Zaban-o-Adab. Presided over by renowned poet Rahat Sarhadi, with Imad Azhar and Dr. Fauzia Sehar Malik as Guests of Honour, the poetic symposium was moderated by Prof. Dr. Farhat Jabeen Virk. Eminent poets including Mazhar Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Chauhan, Mehnaz Benjamin, Shazia Akbar, Kashif Irfan, Khizar Saleem, and Rifat Anjum recited deeply moving verses exploring human emotion and societal realities. Alongside the sessions, the bustling Literary Bazaar and educational stalls remained a center of attraction for book enthusiasts.
Day Two commenced on a scholarly note with the book launch ceremony of Prof. Dr. Farhat Jabeen Virk, Chairperson of the Department of Urdu Zaban-o-Adab. Presided over by distinguished literary figure Muhammad Hamid Shahid, alongside Guests of Honour, Prof. Dr. Humaira Ishfaq, Dr. Salahuddin Darwaish, and Dr. Shafiq Anjam, the proceedings moderated by PhD scholar Halima Qureshi celebrated Dr. Virk’s profound contributions to Urdu research and criticism. The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting, floral tributes, and the presentation of commemorative shields.
