The 15th edition of the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), a highly anticipated cultural affair in Pakistan, returns from February 16th to 18th, 2024, hosted at the esteemed Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi. This year’s theme, “Sustainability: Words changing Mindsets,” promises a dynamic blend of literary exploration, artistic expression, and intellectual dialogue.
Featuring over 200 speakers from 8 countries across 75 sessions, the festival encompasses a wide array of topics, including literature, economics, environmentalism, education, and current events. Alongside stimulating discussions, attendees can look forward to 25 book launches, as well as engaging activities such as drama, satire, exhibitions, film screenings, and various artistic performances.
The inaugural event on February 16th will be open to the public and will showcase keynote addresses by prominent figures such as Pakistani architect and activist Arif Hasan and British-Palestinian lawyer and writer Selma Dabbagh, followed by a captivating performance of Faiz’s poetry by the talented Nighat Choudhry.
Throughout the weekend, KLF will host distinguished speakers including Jordanian academic Joseph Massad, political scientist Dr. Martin Axmann, award-winning journalist Hasnain Kazim, acclaimed novelist Mohsin Hamid, and French journalist Kenize Mourad, among others. Discussions will cover a range of topics from Urdu poetry to sustainability, political reform, and a grand Mushaira presided over by the legendary Iftikhar Arif.
Other highlights include insightful conversations on books, governance, urban dynamics, comedy, storytelling, human rights, and sustainability. The festival will also feature the much-anticipated book launch of Maleeha Lodhi’s “Pakistan: Search for Stability,” published by OUP.
Special sessions will pay tribute to legendary figures such as Madam Noor Jehan and explore themes like sustainability within the evolving global order. The Crystal Edition festivities will conclude with keynote speeches by scholars Najeeba Arif and Joseph Massad, followed by a mesmerizing Sufi Qawwali performance.
Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP Pakistan, highlighted the festival’s role as a platform for global dialogue and encouraged participants to engage in discussions that inspire change. Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at HBL, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting intellectual and cultural endeavors like KLF.
The festival organizers extend their gratitude to title sponsor HBL and other contributors for their generous support. Curated by Oxford University Pakistan (OUP), KLF remains dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity of Pakistani society and fostering a deeper appreciation for literature. All enthusiasts are invited to join this intellectual journey and celebrate the transformative power of words at the Karachi Literature Festival.
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