10th Literature Festival concludes in Karachi

By Aziz Khatri

KARACHI: The 10th Adab Festival Pakistan marked a successful conclusion on Sunday at Habitt City, providing attendees with a vibrant mix of literary discussions, cultural exchanges, and artistic performances. Following a lively opening day, the festival's second day was a hub of intellectual engagement, featuring thought-provoking sessions, book launches, workshops, and live performances that attracted participants from across the city.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the Book & Craft Fair, browse sponsor stalls, and indulge in the Children's Literature Strand. Highlights included captivating storytelling by Yasmin Motasim, an engaging puppet theatre performance by Mehreen Kamran, informative book-making sessions with Ameena Saiyid, and creative theatre workshops led by Atif Badar. Young attendees were also active in the Creative Writing Workshop, ‘The Storymakers Studio,’ facilitated by Taha Kehar.

Discussions throughout the day ranged from technology and identity to cultural heritage, women's leadership, and artistic innovation. A notable session, ‘Designing Tomorrow with Artificial Intelligence,’ featured experts Jehan Ara, Dr. Salman Khatani, and Sadaf Bhatti, moderated by Ahsan Siddiqui. The discussion explored the fusion of creativity and technology, delving into its implications for learning and the future of Pakistan's youth.

Another compelling session, ‘Leaders of Tomorrow: A Conversation with Young Changemakers,’ brought together emerging leaders, including Arsalan Bukhari, Naael Ebrahim, Maha Hasan, and Shoaib Arshad, and was moderated by Ayiza Salman. They shared valuable insights on leadership, mentorship, and resilience, empowering future professionals.

In a reflective session titled ‘The Significance of the Musicalization of Literature,’ Arshad Mehmud discussed the intricate relationship between literature and music, emphasizing how Pakistan’s rich literary heritage influences its performance traditions.

Book launches also took center stage, showcasing works such as Peerzada Salman’s *Fever Log and Other Stories*, Amber Romasa Nagori’s *Tales of Agnimitra and Tamanna*, Athar Tahir’s *Where Cicadas Sing*, and Shehzad Ghaid’s *Pakistan Lost: Ideas on the Idea of Pakistan*. Authors engaged closely with their readers, discussing their creative processes, themes, and inspirations.

The 10th Adab Festival not only celebrated the literary arts but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and exploration, leaving a lasting impact on its participants and the cultural landscape of Pakistan.