Literary festival opens in capital

Three-day event brings together literary enthusiasts from across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

The three-day third "Generation Next Literary Festival" opened in the federal capital on Wednesday with a celebration of literature, creativity and intellectual dialogue.

The prestigious Kamal-e-Fun Awards were presented to renowned literary figures Iftikhar Arif, Attaul Haq Qasmi and Dr Abdul Rehman Brahui.

The three-day festival, organised by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), National Heritage and Culture Division, commenced at the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Auditorium, where Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the government was taking serious measures for the welfare of writers and the promotion of literature.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the minister said writers and intellectuals played a vital role in providing intellectual guidance to society and shaping its collective thinking.

He described young people, particularly young women, as the bright future of the nation and assured the gathering that the government would continue supporting literary activities and the development of literature through the Pakistan Academy of Letters.

The minister appreciated the three-year performance of PAL Chairperson Prof Dr Najiba Arif and expressed the desire for her to continue her association with the Academy for another three years. He said that wherever his responsibilities lay, he would remain available to support writers, intellectuals and young people.

He also shared memories of his student life with young participants who had travelled to Islamabad from different parts of the country.

National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Chairperson Nosheen Iftikhar attended the ceremony as the guest of honour, while renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif and celebrated columnist, journalist, dramatist and writer Attaul Haq Qasmi delivered keynote addresses.

Welcoming participants, Prof Dr Najiba Arif said the Generation Next Literary Festival was not merely a literary gathering but an effective platform connecting young people with creative expression, intellectual dialogue and literary activity.