Latif Festival showcases Sindhi art and culture
Artists performs the Attan, a traditional Pashtun folk dance, at the ‘Rawal Literary Festival’ organised by Rawalpindi Arts Council. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The fourth Latif Arts and Literature Festival 2023 was organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi in collaboration with the Siraj Institute of Sindh Studies on Saturday which was inaugurated by Federal Minister of Education Madad Ali Sindhi.
Esteemed Sindhi scholars and writers Noor ul Huda Shah, Jam Madad Ali, Fehmida Hussain, Taj Joyo, Ayaz Latif Palijo, Jami Chandiyo, and Shams Memon, graced the event.
Madad Ali emphasised that Shah Abdul Latif was not just a great poet, but also a fearless and visionary philosopher and journalist of his time. He noted that Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai has been a revered figure among the people of Sindh for over 250 years, who spread the message of love and peace even in the absence of modern media. He condemned recent events of violence and underlined the importance of Shah Latif's message in today's world.
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Regarding issues of repatriation of illegal aliens, the minister stressed the need for stricter measures to deport illegal Afghan nationals, asserting that such actions are necessary to maintain national security. He also lamented the social disparities in the country, where corruption has eroded its foundations.
Speaking on the occasion, ACP President Ahmed Shah praised the partnership with the Siraj Institution and recognised the Shah Latif Festival as a unique opportunity to showcase Sindhi art and culture.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2023.