Karachi Literature Festival 2025 opens with ‘Narratives from the Soil’

The Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 commenced on Friday with a grand inauguration, marking the start of a three-day celebration of literature, culture, and intellectual discourse.

Organized by Oxford University Press Pakistan (OUPP) and supported by the Government of Sindh, Habib Bank Limited, and Getz Pharma, this year’s theme, “Narratives from the Soil”, highlights Pakistan’s rich literary heritage and cultural depth. Provincial Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, in his address, emphasized Sindh’s historic and literary significance, stating, “Sindh has one of the most iconic historic legacies in the world. It is our responsibility to promote this legacy globally.” Managing Director of OUP Pakistan, Arshad Saeed Husain, noted, “KLF 2025 reaffirms that literature has the power to unite, inspire, and transform. Through narratives deeply rooted in the Indus Valley’s heritage, we celebrate diverse voices shaping our collective identity.”

The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including: Nicolas Galey, French Ambassador to Pakistan, Scott Urbom, US Consul General, Alexis Chahtahtinsky, French Consul General, Martin Dawson, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission.

Keynote speeches by renowned scholar F.S. Aijazuddin and celebrated writer Asghar Nadeem Syed set the tone for the festival. Scott Urbom remarked, “The U.S. Consulate has supported KLF since day one. This festival aligns with our shared values of a more prosperous and secure future where free exchange of ideas is celebrated.” Ali Habib, HBL’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, highlighted the power of storytelling, stating, “The world needs to hear our story. HBL remains committed to positioning Pakistan and its people strongly in the region and beyond.”

The Getz Pharma Literary Awards recognized outstanding contributions to literature:

• English Fiction Prize: The Monsoon War by Bina Shah.
• Urdu Poetry Award: Koh Malaal by Saeed Shariq.
• Urdu Prose Award: Saat Janam by Shafqat Naghmi.
• Sindhi Literature Award: Sindhu Novelet by Jeem Abbasi.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by the Khwab Dance Company, led by Mohsin Babar. The festival’s

sessions covered diverse themes, including: Pakistan’s economy and business climate, led by Muhammad Azfar Ahsan with industry leaders Arif Habib, Miftah Ismail, Khurram Schehzad, Amjad Waheed, and Khurram Hussain. Bapsi Sidwa’s literary legacy, featuring Kamila Shamsie, Uzma Aslam Khan, and Saba Pirzadeh, moderated by Framji Minwalla. Modern Urdu literature, highlighted in Ashfaq Hussain’s book launch, featuring Iftikhar Arif, Najeeba Arif, Asghar Nadeem Syed, and Syed Kashif Raza, moderated by Ambareen Haseeb Amber.

Pakistan’s architectural evolution since the 1940s, with insights from Zarmeene Shah, H.M. Naqvi, Marvi Mazhar, and Kiran Ahmad. A special film screening of In Flames provided a cinematic dimension to the festival’s literary discussions. With an exciting lineup of panel discussions, theatre performances, book launches, and thought-provoking dialogues, KLF 2025 reaffirms its position as Pakistan’s premier literary platform, fostering intellectual exchange and cultural appreciation.