Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 opened its doors on Friday with a dynamic inauguration ceremony, marking the start of a weekend dedicated to literary excellence, stimulating discussions and cultural enrichment.
The three -day festival is organized by Oxford University Press Pakistan (OUPP).
The Minister of the Local Government of Sindh, Saeed Ghani, addressed to the public, highlighting the value of culture in social development, “Sindh has one of the most emblematic historical inheritances in the world, and is that our mutual responsibility to allow this land to be visible on a global scale for its magnificent heritage and its literary richness. »»
In his welcome speech, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, Oup Pakistan, said: “Oxford University Press Pakistan continues his will not only to promote the beautiful culture of reading and discussions, but by highlighting power stories “Turnover stories” to really distinguish the enriching inheritance that geographies must share.
KLF 2025 has once again proven that literature has the power to unite, inspire and transform. Thanks to the vibrant tapestry of the stories rooted in the rich heritage of the Indus, KLF celebrates the various voices that shape our collective identity. We are grateful to all those who have helped to make this festival an enriching experience. »»
Bringing together writers, academics and literary amateurs renowned from all over Pakistan and beyond, KLF 2025 reaffirms its foreground status in the country’s cultural and intellectual landscape.
Distinguished guests, including Nicolas Galey, French ambassador; Scott Urbom, Consul General of the United States Consulate; Alexis Chahtahtinsky, lawyer general France; and Martin Dawson, head of the assistant mission, British assistant high-commissariat; shared their remarks, stressing the importance of literary initiatives.
The opening speech, pronounced by FS Aijazuddin and Asghar Nadeem Syed, set the tone for the festival, celebrating the power of literature in shaping societies.
Scott Urbom, consul of the United States Consulate, pointed out: “I am proud to say that the American consulate general supported this festival from the first day, and we are honored to associate ourselves again. This partnership is aligned with our shared values of a safer, more prosperous and safer future, where free exchange of ideas is celebrated. »»
FS Aijazuddin Obe, Art-Historian and author, has spoken of the essential message that the soil reserves for its children: “It is only imperative to hear the stories for the most true transformation. The story and the stories of Pakistan are so powerful, and I am happy to see them sink on such a dignified platform. »»
Asghar Nadeem Syed, playwright, writer and poet said: “A story is only complete when it fills a certain structural compliance, however, when we hear tales, they can transport messages that are complete in themselves. So excited to be here for the three days of evolution of tales. »»
The keys were followed by the distribution of prices; The War of Mousson by Bina Shah, who received the Prix du Prix de la fiction English; While (Koh Malaal of Saeed Shariq), won the Prix de la Poésie ourdou; The Prose of Prose Ourdou was awarded to (Saat Janam: Shafqat Naghmi novel) and (Sindhu November by Jeem Abbasi).
The inaugural ceremony ended with an exciting performance of the KHWAB Dance Company, led by Mohin Babar.
Brilliant conversations sank during well -organized subsequent sessions, deeply plunging into economics, fiction and architecture;
Muhammad Azfar Ahsan directed a powerTalk on the Pakistan economy and commercial climate, with industry leaders and stakeholders, with Arif Habib, Miftah Ismail, Khurram Schehzad, Amjad Waheed and Khurram Hussain. Framji Minwalla explored the literary heritage of Bapsi Sidwa in discussion with Kamila Shamsie, Uzma Aslam Khan and Saba Pirzadeh.
With a continuous emphasis on the modern evolution of literature in Ourdou, the launch of Ashfaq Hussain’s book, presented a literary dialogue with Iftikhar Arif, Najeeba Arif, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Syed Kashif Raza, and the author, moderate by Ambareen Haseeb Amber.
The architectural evolution of Pakistan, since the 1940s, has been revealed by Zarmenee Shah in discussion with HM Naqvi, Marvi Mazhar and Kiran Ahmad.
A special in Flames film projection brought together literature and cinema in an appropriate end to a hectic first day.
With the brilliant names of literary pillars dotting the schedules of Saturday and Sunday, KLF promises to be the hub for stimulating conversations, theater shows, books of books by authors in person and powerful dialogues exploring literature and Society. This wonderful eclectic structure of navigation in the literary labyrinths reaffirms the role of KLF as the most popular platform in Karachi for literary and artistic expression.
