Govt allows Lahore Litfest but for two days only

The City District Government Lahore on Wednesday allowed the organisers of the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) to go ahead with the popular event on the condition that it would be restricted to two days only – Feb 20-21.

Citing security concerns as the reason for allowing the event for two days only, Lahore District Coordination Officer (DCO) Captain (r) Muhammad Usman told Pakistan Today that the district government had reconsidered its decision to withdraw the permission it had granted earlier for holding the three-day Lahore Literary Festival.

Earlier, DCO Usman wrote a letter to the administration of LLF informing it about the decision of the CDGL to withdraw the permission over what it described as serious security concerns.

The copies of the letter had also been sent to the administration of Al-Hamra, IG Police and other authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the LLF announced that the three-day program will be held according to the schedule on Feb 19 – 21.

He had said that consultations are underway for arranging a different venue for the festival. An announcement in this regard will be made soon, he added.

The LLF spokesman ruled out cancellation of the festival, saying delegations have already started arriving in Lahore to participate in the festival.

Usman, the district coordination officer, however said that the Litfest would be held at the same venue but for two days only.

“Although the district administration and city police will ensure foolproof security, the festival’s duration is being scaled down keeping in view the security of the large number of foreigners who have arrived in Lahore to participate in the event,” he said, adding that a fresh No-Objection Certificate (NoC) had been issued to the organisers.