Lahore Litfest set to dazzle book lovers

The inaugural of Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), scheduled for February 23 and 24 at the AlHamra Arts Centre, is all set to become the country’s most beloved literary event.
The two-day programme includes panel discussions on Urdu and English literature, and book readings. Speakers include eminent national and international writers, artists and journalists, including, among others, Ahmed Rashid, Ayesha Jalal, Bapsi Sidhwa, Daniyal Mueenuddin, Hameed Haroon, Intizar Hussain, Jeet Thayil, Linda Bird Francke, Mohsin Hamid, Nayyar Ali Dada, Salima Hashmi, Tariq Ali and Zehra Nigah.
We spoke to some people and asked them what they think about Lahore’s debut literary festival, what they are most looking forward to and what they expect from the event. Here’s what they had to say:
Ali Nizami, artist: I am delighted that the Lahore Literary Festival has included panel discussions by renowned artists like Rashid Rana and Quddus Mirza, and eminent persons in the field of art and architecture like Salima Hashmi, Nazish AtaUllah and Nayyar Ali Dada. I am really looking forward to attending the panel discussion titled ‘Polemics of Time and Space I and II’ and meeting all these people.
Kamal Ahmad, financial analyst: My interest in books and literature stems from my love for my girlfriend; she is an avid reader and constantly motivates me to read as well. I have to admit that the only reason I will be attending the Lahore Literary Festival is because of her. Nevertheless, when I looked at the event program on the LLF website, some of the panel speakers, like Mohsin Hamid who’s Moth Smoke I loved, have definitely sparked my interest.
Usman Sufi, local entrepreneur: I think the Lahore Literary Festival is a great initiative, not just for book lovers, but also for entrepreneurs such as myself, who will get to showcase their products to the wide array of people who are sure to attend such events. Also, in the larger scheme of things, I think this will generate additional economic activity vis-à-vis the publication of new books from existing and aspiring authors. This coupled with the obvious promotion of Pakistani literature that the LLF guarantees will serve to be beneficial to our country on multiple fronts.
Hassan Nabi, student: Our country is going through a very difficult time and I think hosting an event like the Lahore Literary Festival is very brave us. We need more occasions like these to prove to the world that we are a resilient nation and have a lot more to offer that corrupt politics and religious oppression. The best part about the Lahore Literary Festival is that it is free and open to everyone.
Sarosh Sikander, environmentalist: I am so thrilled that someone has finally organised a literary event in Lahore. I flew back from Melbourne just to witness this almost historic moment. As a Lahori through and through, and obsessive reader, I think for me the Lahore Literary Festival promises to be quite an emotional experience. I still can’t believe that I will get to meet the likes of Ahmed Rashid whose political commentary surpasses any other, and Bapsi Sidhwa, whose novels are simply a joy to read.
Taimour Mubashar, advertising executive: I am really looking forward to the Lahore Literary Festival and I hope this initiative gets continued support from our government. I have had the pleasure of being taught by some of the speakers and I cannot wait to see them as part of the scheduled panel discussions. I wish that the next time such an event happens, we get to see an even more diverse selection of speakers and panellists.
Sara Faisal, housewife: I have been reading various articles about the Lahore Literary Festival in the newspapers and am very excited about attending it. I don’t know which panel to attend as all of them seem so riveting, and I wished the event was for more than just two days. I hope this becomes into an annual affair as we need more of such events.
Ahmed Kaleem, architect: The Lahore Literary Festival was a long time coming. I can’t believe it took us so long to realise that ideologically it makes more sense for any exchange on literature and discussion of literary ideas within Pakistan to be rooted in Lahore, considering that all great artists and writers hail from this beautiful city. I hope that this Lahore Literary Festival is the first of many.