- Three-day pageant brings collectively authors, readers, and literary fans for a memorable educational exploration and dialogue
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Literature Competition (ILF), a celebration of literature and the humanities, got here to an in depth, marking the top of a profitable and inspirational occasion. The pageant, which started on November 3, 2023, introduced collectively authors, readers, and literary fans for a memorable occasion of educational exploration and dialogue.
It offered enriching experiences, partaking conversations, and deep appreciation for the influence of literature on society, and lined e book launches, creator signings, movie screenings, panel discussions, and artwork exhibitions; ILF 2023 has served as a platform for celebrating the world of literature in all its types.

The closing ceremony comprised keynote speeches by Senator Sherry Rehman and Anwar Masood. Senator Rehman expressed her appreciation for the revival of the Gandhara Residents Membership and was impressed by the theme as a result of it’s essential to the instances, we stay in. Reiterating the significance of a sustainable planet she shared: “The planet is underneath stress, and we have to take a look at potentialities. We aren’t accountable for the melting glaciers, heatwaves, or monsoons however this doesn’t translate to a complete abjection of accountability at our properties. No military of consultants will be capable to formulate insurance policies or develop tasks for us and governments alone may also not do that. Local weather successes are collaborations, and all of us have to play our half in doing so.”
In his vote of thanks, Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford College Press (OUP) Pakistan was grateful for the exceptional response, “Immersed within the compelling narratives and profound discussions of this literary pageant, we’ve unravelled the deep ties binding humanity, the planet, and the realms of potential. In these attempting instances allow us to supply hope, fostering a united consciousness for a world that thrives on sustainability and empathy.”
Muhammad Mikal Soomro, Supervisor Company Communications, Getz Pharma, Pvt. Ltd., lauded the efforts for placing collectively such an impeccable literary occasion.

Interim Minister of Data Murtaza Solangi additionally attended all three days of the occasion.
ILF 2023 has highlighted the significance of literature as a way of inventive expression and societal connection. The primary half of the day featured varied discussions like Curriculum, Textbook, Excessive Stakes Assessments- A Method Ahead, and Hamari Mitti hui Zabanain. A presentation on Aag ka Darya was adopted by a dialogue alongside extra panel discussions; Resilient Pakistan- The Sociocultural Impression and Concord Throughout Borders, Capital Discuss: In dialog with Hamid Mir and Quest for Peace and Safety Amongst Neighbours.
Numerous informative conversations like Securing Pakistan’s Curiosity: Navigating Overseas Affairs and Safety Coverage, The Idle Stance of the Tipple Pigeon, Duktar-e-Rumi, Siyaah Heeray, 1980 ki Dehai Ka Ashob and Rawal Raj additionally captivated the viewers.
Moderated by Raheela Baqai, the session on Haya Fatima Sehgal’s e book, Resilient Pakistan- The Sociocultural Impression, touched upon varied inspirational features from the lifetime of Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah. Mushahid Hussain Syed appreciated Haya’s work that it addressed the established order and centered on the probabilities and resilience of the nation. Raheela commented that the e book proves to be a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel.
The gang was in awe of Swaang Theatre Group, which introduced a play, Aao Drama Karain, by Saadat Hasan Manto whereas Aisha Sarwari. Moneeza Hashmi took a visit down reminiscence lane within the session, Conversations with my Father: Forty Years on- a Daughter Responds, which was moderated by Aisah Sarwari.
Hamid Mir in dialog with Tauseeq Haider spoke concerning the present political situation by referring to quite a few writers who’ve fictionalised their accounts to achieve a wider viewers at the price of compromising the integrity of the state. He hoped that future generations will as a substitute, do our nation the justice it deserves.
Victoria Schofield in her dialogue Concord throughout Borders: The Quest for Peace and Safety amongst Neighbours spoke concerning the geopolitical significance of Pakistan and identified that to realize peace within the area nations would want to alter views on the definition of the ‘enemy’. Zahid Hussain additionally mentioned that given this area has 1/3 of the world’s inhabitants and is house to 3 nuclear powers, anticipating volatility and battle shouldn’t be uncommon within the area.
The latter half of the day noticed a powerful line-up of specifically designed panel discussions; Pakistan’s Overseas Coverage and Financial Challenges, Ishq Nama Shah Hussain, A Columnist’s Voice: A Dialog a few Life Lived with Ardour, Human Rights: Is There a which means left?, Tarjuma Nigari ki Ahmiyat, Music in COVID Instances: Album Launch, Aye Aasman Neechay Utar, Voices from the Foothills; Pakistani English Verse; Enterprise and Financial system, Shaping the Method Ahead; and Movie: The Energy of Storytelling.
A full-packed auditorium which hosted the dialogue between Maleeha Lodhi and Aizaz Ahad Chaudhry Pakistan’s Overseas Coverage and Financial Challenges delved into the historical past of Pakistan’s relationship with its neighbours within the context of economics particularly the choice to halt commerce with India.