Lahore Literary Festival wins hearts again with nerve-twitching debates, heart-warming personalities and intellectually challenging literary aroma!
It was an eventful day at Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) with as many as 26 sessions, each more sought-after than the other.
However, the Alhamra Hall No 1 was the most sought-after venue. Here probably most-absorbing intellectual debate was going on with Hina Rabbani Khar, Ahmad Rashid, Vali Nasr, and Maleha Lodhi in attendance and making their presence felt.
The theme of the session was Afghanistan on the Brink. Hence, the interest was all-around as to what was coming towards the people of South Asia from this turbulent part of the world when US forces would withdraw themselves this year. The local and foreign audiences wanted to know what impact Afghanistan would have on Pakistan once left to its own devices by the big powers.
Another big attraction of the day was the magical performance of the Zia Mohyeddin reciting Mushtaq Yusafi in one session while in another towards evening he was in action reciting from his own works. Zia attracted both young and old alike. For those interacting with Zia for the first time, it was a unique experience but for those already well-versed with his works, listening Zia directly was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Each writer, artist and poet had his own following on the occasion. But it was the sub-continental version of those present there in greater demand.
So Politically Incorrect with Shobhaa De with Sheerbano Taseer and before it Beyond the Global Novel with Mohson Hamid had been fettering the attention of a lot of participants. So was the case of session Reading Fiction to Children with Saman Shamsie, being noticed by the participants in great number.
The presence of diplomats and foreigners was again quite impressive with Indian ambassador being the pick of the day. Once again the love for books among the participants could be seen from the book stalls fully packed.
