The second day of the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 continued to inspire audiences with its dynamic discussions, fostering deep connections between writers, readers, thinkers, and listeners. The festival explored literature, culture, public interest, and youth engagement while amplifying crucial conversations on climate change, governance, and digital transformation in publishing.
A highlight of the day was a session featuring Senator Sherry Rehman and educationist Ambreena Ahmed on Pakistan’s pioneering curriculum, Creating Resilience through Climate Change Education. Senator Rehman emphasized the urgent need for climate education, stating, “It is only through education that we can instill a long-term framework for our nation to become resilient for this devastating change in the wings.” She later joined author Victoria Schofield for a reflective discussion on The Fragrance of Tears: My Friendship with Benazir Bhutto, offering insights into political activism and personal friendships.
In another session, climate advocacy took center stage with panelists Afia Salam, Syeda Rinam Fatima, Athar Osama, Tabinda Jabeen, and Danish Rashdi exploring From Learning to Leading: Climate Education and Advocacy, moderated by Maha Husain. A nostalgic session, Moin Akhtar: One Man Show, saw Anwar Maqsood, Zeba Shahnaz, and Ghazal Ansari reminiscing about the legendary performer, with Sharjeel Akhtar moderating. Legal discourse remained prominent as The Legal System of Pakistan by Hamid Khan dissected barriers in the legal framework, while We the People: Our Constitution and the Rule of Law delved into governance challenges with Raza Rabbani, Abid Zuberi, Sara Malkani, and others.
A Literary Bond explored the generational influence of storytelling, featuring Muneeza Shamsie and Kamila Shamsie. “The power of familial bonds is lifelong and impacts every word that goes on the page,” Kamila shared. In Across the Decade: Discovering New Dimensions, New Histories, she joined Maniza Naqvi, Saba Karim, and Omar Shahid Hamid to examine historical storytelling.
The transition from print to digital literature was discussed in Kaghaz Ki Mehek Roothnay Ko Hai: Kitaab Se E-Book Tak Ka Safar, where Mubeen Mirza, Hoori Noorani, Iqbal Khursheed, and Maniza Naqvi reflected on the evolution of reading habits. Reforming education was a key theme in Are We Listening to Our Youth? Redesigning Learning for Tomorrow, featuring Nadeem Ghani, Faisal Mushtaq, Myra Murad Khan, and Khadija Bakhtiar.
The role of public-private partnerships in education was explored in From Emergency to Empowerment: Unlocking the Power of Public-Private Partnerships, with Shehzad Roy and others highlighting collaborative solutions. Samaaj Aur Adab brought filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat into conversation with Asghar Nadeem Syed on the connection between literature and cinema. Poetry remained integral, with Voices by the Sea: English Verse showcasing poets like Minaa Shahzad, Salman Tarek Kureshi, and Fatima Ijaz.
Meanwhile, finding a Voice in World English Literature featured Taha Kehar and Shazaf Fatima Haider discussing the global impact of English writing. Discussions on media and mental health unfolded in Media and Youth Mental Health: Role of Organizational Leadership, with panelists examining the responsibility of media leadership in fostering well-being.
The preservation of heritage was at the heart of Hamari Saqafat Ke Naye Maymar, where cultural experts stressed the importance of infrastructure support for arts and heritage. KLF 2025 Day 2 featured 16 book launches, showcasing works across genres. Notable releases included Mishal Husain’s Broken Threads, Pervez Hoodbhoy’s Pakistan: Origins, Identity, and Future, and Dream Deutschland, a reflection on the Pakistani diaspora.
Classical literature also found a place with Three Tales from Gulistan-i-Saadi. Urdu literature was honored in Aaina Dekha Na Jaaye, with Kishwar Naheed, Shama Afroz, and others celebrating its rich legacy. Aik Sadi Ka Qissa revisited the works of Nasir Kazmi, Jameeluddin Aali, and Intizar Husain, with Najeeba Arif and Mubeen Mirza offering insights. The much-anticipated Urdu Mushaira brought the crowd to life, led by Iftikhar Arif with Faisal Subzwari as nazim. Poets including Pirzada Qasim, Sabir Zafar, and Shahida Hassan recited their verses, creating an atmosphere of literary resonance.
The Youth Pavilion emerged as a hub of creativity with sessions tailored for young minds, from Heroes in Frames: Pakistani Icons Get a Graphic Makeover to Poetry Readings with Atif Badar. Discussions on comedy’s evolving landscape were tackled in Karachi Comedians: Stage or Insta? with Ammar Zaidi and others. Documentary filmmaking was explored in Cinema Verité: Exploring Non-Fiction Films from Pakistan and Beyond, moderated by Ziad Zafar. Grips Theatre brought Thomas Mann’s Dr. Faustus to life with a performance by Khaled Anam, while Sitar Aur Gayeki: A Tribute to the Masters honored classical music, led by Suhel Rais Khan.
The evening concluded with the screening of Nayab. As Karachi eagerly anticipates the final day of this literary celebration, KLF 2025 continues to prove its role as a beacon of thought, dialogue, and artistic expression.
