Curtain falls on KLF with mesmerizing qawwali rendition

Closing ceremony celebrates literary legends Zehra Nigah, Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed and Muneeza Shamsie

KARACHI:

The 15th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) concluded on Sunday as it captivated audiences on the final day, dedicated to advancing sustainability through literature. Enriching discussions and cultural insights marked the day, culminating in an evening that shone with literary legends Zehra Nigah, Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed, and Muneeza Shamsie, who were honoured with shields for their outstanding contributions.

The day featured intriguing discussions, including the panel “In Pursuit of an Ethical State,” where Syed Kaleem Imam, Shahab Usto, Mazhar Abbas, and Huma Baqai shared thoughts on how societies can strive for ethical governance frameworks.

Pakistani literature in English gained immense popularity with the session “Coming of Age: Pakistani English Language Literature,” moderated by Claire Chambers. It explored the evolution, significance, and contemporary trends with Muneeza Shamsie, Salman Tarek Kureshi, Maniza Naqvi, and Taha Kehar.

To address Karachi’s challenges, Masood Lohar moderated the session “Urban Dialogues: Decoding Karachi’s Dynamics,” chaired by Arif Hasan. Murtaza Wahab, Tariq Alexander Qaiser, and Afia Salam discussed the importance of open dialogues, with Murtaza emphasising civilian participation in local administration. He said, “I endorse the need for civilian participation in local administration. I invite every Karachiite to collaborate with me in whatever capacity they can for a Karachi we can all be proud of.”

Engaging sessions included “Hansna Mana Hai” with Sanjay Rajoura, Mustafa Chaudary, Murtaza Chaudry, and Faysal Chaudry, and “Climate Change and Sustainability” discussing actions with youth and teachers.

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The session “By the Swaying Palms and the Mangrove Creek: Poetry in English” celebrated English poetry’s beauty with Salman Tarek Kureshi, Sophia Bano, Minaa Shahzad, Zarmina Raza, Farida Faizullah, Moeen Faruqi, Moosa Gardezi, and Sanayya Saleem.

“Film: The Power of Storytelling,” moderated by Saba Karim Khan, featured panelists Sanam Saeed, Faryal Mehmood, Abid Aziz Merchant, Muhib Mirza, and Bee Gul, highlighting film’s unique ability to inspire, entertain, and provoke thoughts.

Mujahid Barelvi conducted the thought-provoking session “Election 2024: Aik Naya Zawiya” with Justice (Retd) Anwar Mansoor, Shaiq Usmani, and Shaheen Salahuddin.

In the session “Human Rights and Wrongs,” Ghazi Salahuddin, Jibran Nasir, Harris Kahlique, and Afia Salam discussed the broader implications of human rights.

The dynamic session “The Big Picture: Future of Pakistan,” moderated by Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, addressed economic development, political stability, social progress, technological advancements, and geopolitical dynamics.

Selma Dabbagh discussed “Ceasefire Forever,” and Mahnaz Naveed Shah, Kamran Moin Anwar, and Qawal Najmuddin revealed “The Untold Story of Classical Qawwali.” Sameena Nazir’s theatrical production, “Ladies Tailor,” received well-deserved appreciation. Zehra Nigah and Aamir Jafarey explored Ada Jafarey’s collective works in “A World of Her Own,” while Noorul Huda Shah, Attiya Dawood, and Mumtaz Bukhari discussed “Translations of Sindhi Classics: From Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai to Shaikh Ayaz.”

The closing ceremony celebrated literary legends Zehra Nigah, Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed, and Muneeza Shamsie for their enduring support since the inception of OUP-helmed Literature Festivals.

In their vote of thanks, Maya Inayat Ismail, Chief of Staff to the Chairman and Chairperson, Sustainability Forum, HBL, urged everyone to carry forward the festival’s spirit of curiosity, empathy, and imagination. Oxford University Press Pakistan MD Arshad Saeed Hussain expressed gratitude to sponsors and participants.

The evening concluded with a performance by Qawwal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th 2024.