KLF opens on a sombre note

Moment of silence observed for Islamabad Imambargah blast, Gul Plaza vicitms

KARACHI:

The 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2026 opened at the Beach Luxury Hotel on a somber note with a moment of silence for Gul Plaza victims and their families and today's tragic incident of innocent lives lost again in the Islamabad bomb blast.

The inaugural event marks the start of a three-day celebration, bringing together writers, thinkers, and readers to explore literature and culture under the theme "Literature in a Fragile World."

The 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) began at Beach Luxury Hotel on Friday, inaugurated by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The three-day festival brings together over 200 local and international delegates for more than 70 sessions, including 38 book launches, poetry recitals in Sindhi and Urdu, and special discussions on artificial intelligence, Kathak, and contemporary dance.

This year's theme, 'Literature in a Fragile World', will explore whether the subtleties and nuances of literature are mere self-indulgence in disturbed and uncertain times, or whether poets, authors, critics, and other writers have a real role to play.

The gathering frames conversations on history, politics, economy, climate change, fashion, and the arts. On the second day, sessions will spotlight Lyari, the impact of climate change on women and children's health, and dance traditions.

The opening ceremony observed two minutes of silence for victims of the recent Islamabad tragedy.

In his welcome address, OUP Pakistan Managing Director Arshad Saeed Husain said: "literature of not an indulgence, it is a civic imperative. This festival embodies responsible innovation and shared prosperity. Dialogue has long been the craft of this city; we convene to question and understand. Only the sustainable form of power has the power to persuade through evidence, empathy and perseverance."

Referring to KLF theme, Culture in a Fragile World, the Consul General of France Alexis Chahtahinsky, said that as a diplomat, he feels the world is changing rapidly. Chahtahinsky described the attack on an imambargah in Islamabad as tragic and said terrorism has no connection with any society.

On the occasion, the British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Domm strongly condemned the terrorist incident in Islamabad and said that the United Kingdom stands with Pakistan in this difficult time.

In her Keynote by Senator Sherry Rehman on the 'New World Disorder' stressed that, "At this time, the world is in great need of knowledge and literature." The Keynote Speech by Nasir Abbas Nayyar set the tone for the festival, highlighting the power of literature in shaping societies and encouraging critical thinking.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressing the opening ceremony, CM Shah congratulated Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan on successfully sustaining the festival for 17 consecutive years. "Supporting arts and literature is not merely cultural patronage; it is an investment in social cohesion, critical thinking, and long-term progress," he remarked.

Quoting Lord Byron's famous observation that "a drop of ink may make a million think," the chief minister highlighted the enduring power of literature and expressed hope that the Karachi Literature Festival would continue to inspire dialogue and understanding.

The speeches were followed by the 2026 KLF-Getz Pharma Book Awards Ceremony. The English Fiction Prize winner is Ferdowsnama by Shandana Minhas, the Urdu Poetry Award winner is Aahang by Dilawar Ali Aazar and the Urdu Prose Award winner is Namak ki Betiyan by Naseer Soomro.