Karachi, 17 Oct 2023:The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi revealed details of the forthcoming “Pakistan Literature Festival 2023” (Sukkur Chapter) during a press conference at Haseena Moin Hall. Scheduled for 28th and 29th October, the two-day event is set to take place in Sukkur, in collaboration with IBA Sukkur. Key figures from the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, including President Ahmed Shah, journalist Ghazi Salahuddin, writer Noor Ul Huda Shah, and chairman of the Folk and Heritage Committee Dr. Ayub Sheikh, delivered insights into the event.
President Ahmed Shah lauded the media’s coverage of Pakistan’s major theater festival and urged collaboration among cultural institutions of Pakistan. He highlighted how cities across the country, from Hyderabad to Gwadar, express interest in hosting similar events. With its previous successes in Lahore and Kashmir, the Arts Council has now set its sights on Sukkur. He also recognized IBA Sukkur’s potential as an ideal partner for the festival.
This year’s literature festival promises to host federal and provincial ministers, along with academic and literary luminaries from all corners of Pakistan. The sessions will delve into topics as diverse as the economic state of Sindh, shifts in media dynamics, a century since the unearthing of Mohenjo Daro, and the art and heritage of Sindh. Alongside book launches, poetry sessions (Mushaira), and panel discussions, attendees can also anticipate engagement from prominent actors such as Mustafa Qureshi and Munawar Saeed. A highlight will be the staging of Farhan Alam Siddiqui’s play “Taleem Balighan,” complemented by performances from notable artists like Asim Azhar and Sound of Kolachi.
Emphasizing the festival’s potential significance, Noor Ul Huda Shah voiced hopes for the event to usher in heightened awareness and intellectual growth. She advocated for dialogue, emphasizing the role of the Arts Council Karachi in furthering such efforts in a landscape marked by political divides and challenges. Ghazi Salahuddin stressed the unique capability of culture to unify, drawing international comparisons, while Dr. Ayub Sheikh spoke of the intrinsic charm and allure of Sukkur as an ideal backdrop for such a festival. The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi provided this information.