Islamabad: With the help of Getz Pharma and NEO Paints (Gold Sponsor), Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan organized the 10th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), which opened today to a receptive audience.
“Sustainability: Words Change Mindsets” was a popular theme that allowed for persuasive discussions all day long.
In Pakistan’s stunning capital, ILF has developed into a crucial forum for literary analysis and intellectual advancement.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, gave a heartfelt welcome speech during the inaugural session.
Jane Marriot, British High Commissioner to Pakistan; Maleeha Lodhi, former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations; and poet and screenwriter Zehra Nigah provided keynote addresses.
Natalie Baker, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Islamabad, shared the remarks. Samiya Mumtaz and Adnan Jahangir’s captivating performance, “Jaag,” marked the end of the first session.
After three enriching sessions, Urdu and Pushto literature were studied along with the path to economic progress.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, talked about Pakistan’s investment climate in an interview with Vaqar Ahmed titled “Economic Stabilization and the Journey to Growth,” claiming that everyone can see the numbers.
“Philanthropy is a valuable resource, but the country needs taxes to sustain long-term growth. Energy costs are moving towards affordability, but further structural reforms are necessary. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must undergo reform and should be privatized.”
“The private sector must take the lead, and the dependency on the government must be reduced to allow for more efficient and effective management.”
Exploring the sustainability and the ability of literature to persuade people to create a better future.
Jane Marriott CMG OBE, British High Commissioner to Pakistan said, “UK is focused on both Climate and Educational emergency in Pakistan and hopes to bring substantial change for future generations. It is an obligation on all of us—even those with a modicum of power—to bring a shift. Words can change mindsets, but actions are needed.”
Natalie Baker shared her excitement and said, “I have been here only three months, but I would encourage everyone to learn more about the absolutely wonderful culture, language, and history of Pakistan.”
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Sharing her perspective, Maleeha Lodhi stated “Utilization of the undervalued soft power is needed for navigating the terrain of the global environment today.”
“Sans agility, we risk being marginalized, and therefore we must work with technology in the increasing digital world and utilize the outreach of social media to maintain a positive image.”
Arshad Husain, “In this age of constant innovation, understanding the minds shaped by the digital era becomes paramount.Building a system that satisfies the changing demands of a world split by conflict but yearning for connection requires us to go beyond established frameworks.”
Zehra Nigah, well-known for her socially conscious poetry, valued the OUP’s fairness for consistently guaranteeing that Urdu literature was properly exposed.
“Literature festivals have shown a remarkable resilience; amidst all chaos – the words of literature have proudly held their place.”
The discussion, which examined Urdu poetry with Inaam Nadeem, highlighted the need for emerging poets and authors to go beyond the conventions and pursue new paths.
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Significant insights into the value of Pushto literature were shared by eminent guests in conversation with Afrasiab Khattak.
For art lovers, the festival is a must-visit destination with an exciting schedule of events that will take place over the next two days, including media rooms, a book market, author signings, and a food court.