Last weekend saw Karachiities making their way to attend one of Pakistan’s highly anticipated literary events of the year, the Karachi Literature Festival at Beach Luxury, with the breezy weather providing the perfect backdrop for the three-day festival. KLF continues to grow with the passing of each year: there were nearly 76 sessions with over 200 speakers and performers.
While the event primarily focuses on discussing literature, it also touches upon topics that branch out from literature, such as television and music. That’s why KLF conducted an entire session to discuss the impact of pop culture on Pakistani society and the rest for the world. In it, the legendary Salman Ahmed from Junoon spoke about Pakistan’s need to promote its “soft image” to the world as a means to create better relationships. He pointed out that the only time Pakistan makes its way to global news is whenever something violent or chaotic happens in the country. However, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s Oscar wins changed the narrative for Pakistan a little.
Attention was given to the national and regional languages of the country, with sessions such as Sindhi Mushairo and Aaj Ka Urdu Adab, while important discussions were held in a session called Can Art and Culture Save The City, attended by Sania Saeed.
Many other notable names from the entertainment industry also made their way to the three-day affair. Comedians Murtuza, Mustafa and Faisal Chaudhry (from Banana Network fame) conducted a session to discuss their work, whereas renowned filmmakers Sarmad Khoosat, Mehreen Jabbar and veteran actors Asif Raza Mir and Samina Ahmed discussed how television has evolved over the years.
Amid several book launches, some book launches stood out more. One of them featured Anwer Maqsood and his wife, Imrana Maqsood, who were present to discuss Uljhay Suljhay Anwar, an autobiography written about the writer through the eyes of his wife. The second one featured acclaimed writer Kamila Shamsie, who was there to discuss her latest novel, Home Fire.
