The two-day Pakistan Literature Festival 2025 Sukkur Chapter II commenced on Tuesday at Sukkur IBA University, drawing a host of literary, artistic, and political figures to celebrate literature, art, culture, and societal issues. Organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, the festival was inaugurated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who lauded the event as a significant step in promoting cultural and literary activities across the region.
The festival, which has previously been held in Lahore, Quetta, and Azad Kashmir, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for literature and the arts. Chief Minister Shah praised the efforts of Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah, Sukkur IBA founder Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui, and PPP veteran Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah for their contributions to the event’s success. He also highlighted the council’s other successful initiatives, such as the Youth Festival, Theatre Festival, Children’s Festival, and International Urdu Conference, noting that last year’s World Culture Festival in Karachi attracted participants from 44 countries, with expectations of over 100 countries this year.
The opening day featured a series of engaging sessions, including discussions on topics such as “Future Leaders in the Digital Age,” “Film & TV Industry in the Digital Age,” and “Sindhi Literature in the 21st Century.” Other sessions addressed pressing societal issues, including “Employment Challenges & Opportunities for Sindh’s Youth,” “Violence Against Women: Causes & Solutions,” and “Is the Economy Recovering?” A poetic conversation between young poets Ali Zaryoun and Umair Najmi, as well as a session with senior journalist Sohail Warraich, captivated the audience.
The day concluded with a mesmerizing “Sufi Night” at the Sukkur IBA University cricket ground, featuring performances by the Hamza Akram Qawwal group and artists Sanam Marvi and Ahsan Bari. The event drew widespread acclaim for its vibrant celebration of Sufi music and culture.
Prominent figures at the opening ceremony included Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah, writer and playwright Noor-ul-Huda Shah, and educationist Dr. Syed Jafar Ahmed. Noor-ul-Huda Shah, in her keynote address, emphasized the importance of preserving Sindh’s cultural heritage and addressing systemic issues such as feudalism and the marginalization of women. She urged the youth to take an active role in shaping the future of the region.
The festival also saw the participation of notable personalities such as Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Mushahid Hussain Syed, Arsalan Islam Shaikh, and showbiz icons Mustafa Qureshi and Munawar Saeed. The event was moderated by Dr. Huma Mir, who ensured a seamless flow of discussions and activities.
The Pakistan Literature Festival 2025 Sukkur Chapter II continues to serve as a platform for intellectual exchange and cultural celebration, reinforcing the importance of literature and the arts in shaping societal discourse. The second day promises more insightful sessions and cultural performances, further enriching the festival’s legacy.
