Zubair Qureshi
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with Lightstone Publishers hosted the 9th ‘Adab Festival Pakistan’ featuring engaging daylong sessions highlighting the role played by literature in building a harmonious society.
The event turned out to be a pleasant digression from the thinktank’s routine discussions and seminars on international relations and geo-strategic debates (which usually retired bureaucrats and ambassadors attend) and generated a lighter air and entertaining environment.
In his welcome remarks, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized Pakistan’s literary richness and ISSI’s commitment to fostering creativity through literature. He highlighted the Adab Festival’s role in promoting book reading, especially among youth, as a vital balancing factor in the digital age. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood lauded the festival as a platform to celebrate cultural pluralism, inspire dialogue, and explore creative ideas.
He commended the festival’s diverse program, featuring book talks and discussions on topics such as Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, women empowerment, and education, showcasing its potential to inspire new perspectives.
The event, he noted, serves as a bridge between emerging and established writers, fostering connections and nurturing literary aspirations.
Ambassador SohailMahmood expressed gratitude to the participants and encouraged attendees to engage with the sessions, underscoring the festival’s power to connect, educate, and celebrate the enduring impact of words.
He also affirmed ISSI’s resolve to systematically project Pakistan’s soft power inherent in its rich culture and arts and literature in active collaboration with literary institutions and civil society.
Earlier, in her introductory remarks, AmeenaSaiyid highlighted the transformative power of literature festivals in honoring writers, researchers, and poets, while addressing societal challenges and reinforcing cultural identity. Dr. NajeebaArif, Chairperson Pakistan Academy of Letters, emphasized literature’s role in fostering humanity, hope, and soft power, stressing its influence in shaping a nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape. The session laid the foundation for a festival that celebrates creativity, intellectual exchange, and meaningful dialogue, underscoring the significant role of literature in societal progress.
The first session titled ‘Jinnah’s Vision for Pakistan – A Call for Action,” featured insightful remarks by Barrister Yasser LatifHamdani, author of the book, and was moderated by Professor Dr. IlhanNiaz.
