Latest news with #KLF2025
Express Tribune
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
KLF Day-II sessions captivate audience
KARACHI: The 16th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) continued to captivate literature enthusiasts, intellectuals, and book lovers from across the country on Saturday. This year's festival, under the theme "Narratives from the Soil," embraces the rich literary and cultural traditions of Pakistan while fostering discussions on contemporary global issues. The festival offers an immersive experience with its elegantly decorated red-and-white tents, a refreshing sea breeze, and a vibrant atmosphere that welcomes families, friends, and avid readers. Visitors explore books, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and interact with some of the most distinguished local and international authors, scholars, and intellectuals. Day-II of KLF 2025 continued the festival's tradition of intellectual rigour and cultural celebration, featuring an array of discussions on literature, politics, climate change, education, law, and the arts. Climate change remained a dominant theme, with Senator Sherry Rehman and educationist Ambreena Ahmed stressing the need for integrating climate education into Pakistan's curriculum. "It is only through education that we can instill a long-term framework for our nation to become resilient to this devastating change," Sherry said. Another panel, "From Learning to Leading: Climate Education and Advocacy," brought together experts, including Afia Salam, Syeda Rinam Fatima, Athar Osama, Tabinda Jabeen, and Danish Rashdi, who explored the role of education in environmental awareness. The festival also delved into politics and activism, with a powerful discussion between Senator Sherry Rehman and British author Victoria Schofield on "The Fragrance of Tears: My Friendship with Benazir Bhutto," reflecting on their shared experiences in political activism. Legal experts Hamid Khan and Faisal Siddiqui examined Pakistan's judicial landscape in "The Legal System of Pakistan," while another panel, "We the People: Our Constitution and the Rule of Law," featuring Raza Rabbani, Abid Zuberi, and Sara Malkani, underscored the need for legal reforms. A particularly heartfelt session, "A Literary Bond," saw author Kamila Shamsie and her mother, literary critic Muneeza Shamsie, discuss how family narratives shape their writing. Kamila further explored historical storytelling in "Across the Decade: Discovering New Dimensions, New Histories," alongside Maniza Naqvi, Saba Karim, and Omar Shahid Hamid. The evolving landscape of publishing was addressed in "Kaghazi Mehek Roothnay Ko Hai: Kitaab Se E-Book Tak Ka Safar," where panelists debated the shift from print to digital formats. Education reform and youth empowerment took center stage in multiple sessions. "Are We Listening to Our Youth? Redesigning Learning for Tomorrow," featured Nadeem Ghani, Faisal Mushtaq, and Myra Murad Khan discussing the urgent need for educational innovation. Public-private partnerships in education were explored in "From Emergency to Empowerment," with Shehzad Roy, Amin A Hashwani, and others highlighting solutions for bridging the education gap.
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
KLF opens with cultural discourse
KARACHI: The Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 themed Narratives of the Soil opened today with a vibrant inauguration ceremony, marking the beginning of a weekend dedicated to literary excellence, thought-provoking discussions, and cultural enrichment. Book lovers, literati and people from all walks of life enjoyed the cool breeze on the Beach Luxury Hotel's lawns browsing through the stalls of publishers offering books on lucrative discounts. Organized by Oxford University Press Pakistan (OUPP), this 3-day Festival is proudly supported by the Government of Sindh as the title sponsor, with Habib Bank Limited and Getz Pharma as Platinum and Gold Sponsors, respectively. Saeed Ghani, Local Government Minister, addressed the audience, highlighting the value of culture in social development, "Sindh has one of the most iconic historic legacies in the world, and it is but our mutual responsibility to enable this land to be visible globally for its magnificent legacy and literary richness." In his welcome speech, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, OUP Pakistan, said, "Oxford University Press Pakistan continues its drive for not just promoting the beautiful culture of reading and discussions, but bringing to light the power packed 'Narratives from the Soil' to truly distinguish the enriching legacies that geographies have to share." Bringing together renowned writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts from across Pakistan and beyond, KLF 2025 reaffirms its status as a premier event in the country's cultural and intellectual landscape. Distinguished guests, including HE Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France; Scott Urbom, Consul General United States Consulate; Alexis Chahtahtinsky, Counsel General France; and Martin Dawson, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission; shared their remarks, emphasizing the significance of literary initiatives. The keynote speech, delivered by FS Aijazuddin and Asghar Nadeem Syed, set the tone for the festival, celebrating the power of literature in shaping societies. Scott Urbom, Consul General United States Consulate, remarked, "I am proud to say that the U.S. Consulate General has supported this festival from day one, and we are honored to partner again. This partnership aligns with our shared values of a safer, more prosperous, more secure future, where the free exchange of ideas is celebrated." Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, HBL, shared his organisation's pride in being a partner in an event that is now legacy-worthy, "We hope to see the power of word truly translate into a happier tomorrow for all concerned." Art-historian and author FS Aijazuddin OBE spoke on the essential message that soil reserves for its children, "It is but imperative to hear the stories for the truest transformation. Pakistan's history and narratives are so powerful, and I am happy to see them flowing on such a worthy platform."
