7th edition of Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest begins: Significance of climate change, environmental policy highlighted

LAHORE : The seventh edition of Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest began at the Alhamrah Arts Council, inviting people from all walks of life to come, think and ask question on topics ranging from socio-political to economic and from cultural to climate change. This years theme is ‘Winter of discontent’ with a focus on conflict and the climate crises.

Prominent speakers from around the world and Pakistan attended the inaugural day of the two-day event.

The spotlight shone brightly on a crucial session dedicated to climate change and environmental policy, captivating the audience's attention. The panelists took centre stage during the session, including Hanan Zafar from Superior University, Ayesha Sandhu from LCWU, and Bakhtawar Ahmed from Punjab University. Expertly moderated by Maha Hussain, the session delved into crucial aspects of Yvette.

Hanan Zafar's insightful suggestions earned widespread acclaim from the captivated audience. As the Think Festival unfolds, it promises to be a dynamic platform fostering enriching discussions and intellectual exchange.

In a captivating session ‘Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict between Russia and the West’ that delved into the intricacies of global affairs, Mosharraf, Max, and Senator Musadiq Malik shared their insightful perspectives.

Mosharraf initiated the discourse by introducing the book and highlighting the importance of understanding Putin's actions, urging Pakistanis to care about the geopolitical scenario. Expanding the conversation to the economic challenges faced by both Ukraine and Pakistan, Max emphasised the diminishing grip on their economies.

Another panel titled Development Pathways: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, 1947-2022’, where Dr Ishrat Husain, former federal minister, renowned economist Savail Hussain, and Dr. Turab Hussain, gave an overview of economic development in Pakistan since 1947. Dr. Ishrat presented a few concerns and recommendations, referring to the significance of consistency, continuity, and predictability in policy-making. Moreover, he emphasised ensuring that policy content is not driven by ideology.

Moreover, President WWF-International Dr Adil Najam, during his talk emphasised on the need of climate action in Pakistan in the wake of the ongoing climatic crises.

Dr Yaqoob Bangash, founder and CEO of Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest, stressed the need of events where the audience has a complete access to the panelist for a healthy discussion. “Our idea is to start a discussion within our society where people can share ideas and knowledge without any hindrance. ThinkFest is a platform that has been providing that space both to the audience and the participants for the past seven years,” he said.

The list of notable speakers at ThinkFest 2024 includes, Hamid Mir, Adil Najam from Boston University, Faisal Bari, S. Akbar Zaidi from IBA Karachi, Ali Usman Qasmi from LUMS, Ishrat Husain, Senator Musadiq Malik, Ali Cheema, Ejaz Haider, former Finance Minister Salman Shah, Aisha Sarwari, Fawad Hassan Fawad, Salman Akram Raja, Murtaza Solangi, Ammar Ali Jan, Salima Hashmi and Raza Ali Dada.

Former federal climate change minister Senator Sherry Rehman will attend the Day 2 of the event on Sunday (today) at 11am.