The vibrant city of Karachi witnessed the grand opening of the 10th Adab Festival on Saturday, marking a significant celebration of literature and the arts. The event transformed the venue into a hub of colour, creativity, and intense cultural dialogue, successfully drawing in a diverse crowd of writers, intellectuals, students, and avid book lovers.
A Day of Insightful Dialogues and Memorial Tributes
The festival's intellectual tone was set early by powerful speeches from distinguished figures, including the renowned poet Kishwar Naheed, professor Dr Ishrat Husain, and writer Shandana Minhas. A particularly poignant segment of the day was "Tum Yaad Aaye: In Memoriam (2020-2025)," a moving tribute that honored the legacies of prominent Pakistani scholars, artists, and cultural icons who have passed away in recent years.
The memorial paid respects to an esteemed group, including Arfa Sayeda Zehra, Nuzhat Kidwai, Zubeida Mustafa, Talat Hussain, Zia Mohyeddin, Amjad Islam Amjad, Nayyara Noor, IA Rehman, Bapsi Sidhwa, and Karamat Ali. This emotional homage was beautifully complemented by musical performances. Sheema Saiyid delivered a soulful rendition of a Nasir Kazmi ghazal, famously sung by Nayyara Noor, with musical accompaniment by Samreen Harrison. This was followed by Osama Israr Ahmed's powerful performance of "Bol ke lab azaad hain teray," with both compositions credited to the late Arshad Mahmood.
Parallel Sessions and Engaging Workshops
Throughout the day, the festival buzzed with multiple concurrent sessions, creating a rich tapestry of intellectual pursuits. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into discussions on a wide array of subjects, from Urdu literature and progressive politics to cultural heritage, fine arts, history, and education.
One of the initial dialogue sessions featured the legendary poet Zehra Nigah in conversation with civil society leader Shoaib Arshad, where they explored the evolution of Urdu literature and its profound connection to social change. Other parallel sessions included a deep dive into Zahid Hussain's 'A Dialogue with History' and a panel titled 'Face to Face with Benazir', which examined the rise and decline of progressive literature within Pakistan.
A Lively Space for Young Minds
The festival also dedicated a vibrant segment to its younger audience, ensuring the literary spark was passed on to the next generation. The children's area was a flurry of activity, featuring:
- Engaging book- and craft-fairs.
- Captivating storytelling sessions by Yasmin Moatasim.
- An enchanting puppet theatre presented by Mehreen Kamran.
- An interactive bookmaking workshop with Ameena Saiyid.
- Dynamic theatre workshops conducted by Atif Badr.
- A creative writing workshop, the Story Makers Studio, led by Tahaa Kahar.
The 10th Adab Festival successfully served as a vital platform for celebrating Pakistan's rich literary and cultural landscape, fostering meaningful conversations and inspiring a renewed appreciation for the arts among all who attended.
