Sukkur literature festival ends

Lively discussion, mesmerising musical performances featured in concluding sessions

SUKKUR:

The two-day 'Pakistan Literature Festival 2023' concluded in Sukkur on Sunday after a lively discussion and valuable suggestions on science and literature, culture, history, and movement of Sindh.

The turnout was huge as well-known writers, poets, singers, and students participated in literary sessions, debates, and discussions with literary and political figures.

The festival, which was jointly organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and the IBA University Sukkur, also featured mushaira, musical programs, and stalls of books, clothes. Sindhi handicrafts stalls became the centre of attention of the participants.

ACP President Ahmad Shah, Sukkur Mayor Arslan Islam Sheikh, District Council Chairman Kumail Haider Shah, IBA Sukkur Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Ahmad Sheikh, President Sukkur Arts Council Mumtaz Bukhari and senior journalists, educationists, and actors attended the concluding ceremony which was moderated by Huma Mir.

ACP President Ahmad Shah said that the people of Sukkur have given a great welcome to the Pakistan Literature Festival. "Writers and poets are our national asset, we should appreciate them. I am grateful to IBA Sukkur, the mayor and the chairman of District Council without whose support this festival would have been very difficult to organise.

IBA Sukkur VC Prof Dr Asif Ahmed Sheikh said that "considering the success of the festival, we will bring the festival to Sukkur again in February." The youth wish that this series should continue and if they come next time they should bring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan with them.

Sukkur Mayor Arslan Islam Sheikh said that the festival was being mentioned in the whole world, not the whole of Sindh, not the whole of Pakistan. "Give us the opportunity to become good Pakistanis with the Muslim Ummah.

The festival concluded with a musical concert in which renowned singer Asim Azhar, Saif Samejo, Wahab Bugti, ACMA band performed to a lively and electric audience. Sound of Kolachi, Faqeer Allah Rakhio, Faqeer Ayaz, Jahanzeb Shah and Aslan Shaikh also mesmerized the audience with their magical performances.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2023.