espite the devastating attack on the Karachi Police headquarters and the general economic downturn in the country, I found solace in immersing myself in the pleasures of language, literature, books, cinema, critique and thought-provoking conversations at this year’s three-day Karachi Literature Festival. The scorching heat and blazing sun couldn’t keep me away, even though many events were available to watch online. The buzz of literary excitement, the thunderous applause, and the alluring scent of books were irresistible. The lush lawns of Beach Luxury Hotel provided the perfect setting, and I thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.

The first talk I attended revolved around Rosita Armytage’s latest book, Big Capital in an Unequal World: The Micropolitics of Wealth in Pakistan, a riveting event. The author, a policy advisor and anthropologist, was joined by the former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Ishrat Husain. The conversation was moderated by journalist Zahid Hussain. The ensuing conversation delved into a topic that has long been understood but rarely discussed in Pakistani society. The country’s class divide and the small number of families that control the banking and financial institutions have been widely debated. Dr Ishrat Husain’s book, The Economy of the Elitist State, provides an in-depth look at the country’s power structure. However, Armytage’s book focuses on the personal lives and relationships of these elites.

Her book provides a fascinating insight into the battle between old and new money, the naye rajas, and established kings. The differences between the people with old money and the nouveau riche are highlighted, with the latter denied admission to prestigious schools and exclusive club memberships. It focuses on the Pakistani social and political one percent and their role in creating social and economic disparities. The discussion was highly relatable and enlightening. The book launch was a tremendous success.

At another book talk, Ways of Being: Creative Non-Fiction by Pakistani Women, the conversation centred around the vital role of women in creating a treasure trove of creative nonfiction in an anthology from Pakistani women. Sabyn Javeri, the author, led the discussion, which was moderated by Saba Karim, focusing on the importance of truth. Javeri, who primarily writes fiction, wanted to explore nonfiction but found that it sometimes had a different level of empathy or connection with the readership. This is where Ways of Being comes in – it bridges the gap between truth and compassion. The original plan was to have a diverse set of people from all over Pakistan whose voices weren’t being heard in the mainstream, but logistical issues and timelines made it a mix of the two.

The talk provided helpful insights on topics many of us hardly consider, such as nostalgia, identity, belonging and adjusting our voices in different ways. The feedback was invaluable. It was inspiring to see how Pakistani women are making their mark in the world of creative nonfiction.

Safinah D Elahi moderated a fascinating conversation with the acclaimed Sri Lankan author, Shehan Karunatilaka, discussing his latest work, Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, a tale of pathos, humour, and satire that left a lasting impression on me. During the discussion, Karunatilaka opened up about the doubts that plague every writer, revealing his personal experience of accepting fate and embracing the unknown. He then shared how he learned that Seven Moons had been selected for the Booker Prize long list amidst the chaos of a petrol queue during a turbulent year in Sri Lanka. The book eventually made the shortlist, and the aftermath of the win was life-changing for the author. Finally, Karunatilaka announced his upcoming short fiction, The Birth Lottery and other Surprises, leaving me equally thrilled and eager to get my hands on it.

To align with the festival’s theme, Farah Zia expertly moderated a discussion, Vulnerability and Resilience: Climate and Communities, with Afia Salam, Zohra Yusuf and Bilal Zahoor. The dialogue centred on the devastating effects of extreme weather events on marginalised communities, the difficulties in meeting their immediate and long-term needs and strategies to mitigate the consequences. In addition, the speakers highlighted the pressing need to manage disasters effectively, particularly in regions that do not typically experience monsoon rains - a tragic irony indeed.

The KLF was further enriched by the delightful dramatic readings and poetry recitations by Atif Badar, a talented theatre artist and storyteller. His captivating performances were enjoyed by children and adults alike, as he brought the festival to life with his creative voice and energetic music and movement. At Idara-i-Taleem-o-Agaahi’s Kitab Gari, he conducted a special session, captivating the audience with his dastangoi by Ashraf Subohi about an illiterate kababi. These stories are valuable to literature and reflect the traditions, culture and aspirations of a bygone era. Badar also impressed the audience with an intriguing nazm by Ameer Minai, Mehfil Barkhwast Hui. His performances contributed to making the KLF an unforgettable experience.

Despite the challenges, the organisers executed a large-scale event and deserve commendation. Notably, there were no queues or stampedes. The event was incredibly gratifying because people from all walks of life could attend and benefit from it. I found it heartening to participate in the live conversations that focused on the welfare of our planet.

The writer is a journalist based in Karachi. She can be reached at Sara.amj@hotmail.co.uk