he Adab Festival Pakistan, which opened its 8th edition at Habitt City, Karachi, isn’t just another literary event; it’s a celebration of the nation’s intellectual and cultural legacy. With an impressive line-up of speakers, authors, activists and thinkers, the event once again brought to life the diversity and richness of the society, illustrating the vital role that literature, art and intellectual discourse play in shaping a national identity.

The day began with Khaled Anam’s play, Unfit Ball Hai Dunya Meray Agay, from Grips Theatre. It was a refreshing reminder of the power of humour and the performing arts to connect people across generations and backgrounds. Anam’s work exemplifies how theatre can bridge gaps in understanding, allowing children and adults alike to view the world and life through a lighthearted lens.

The festival’s opening ceremony, featuring among others Ameena Saiyid, Munis Abdullah and Shoaib Arshad, underscored the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s literary heritage, setting the tone for the Adab Festival/ Infaq Foundation Literary Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding work in Urdu, Sindhi and English literature. Arieb Azhar’s musical performance added vibrant energy to the event, offering a Sufi tribute that resonated with the audience.

The sessions that followed were more than mere discussions. These provided profound insights into Pakistan’s intricate social fabric. Miftah Ismail’s conversation with Omayr Aziz Saiyid on economics and governance introduced urgent realism, highlighting the critical need for improved fiscal management in a country facing economic uncertainty.

The session titled Jinnah’s Vision Revisited: Pakistan at 77 explored Pakistan’s political and social evolution, featuring insights from thinkers like Yasser Latif Hamdani and Ali Usman Qasmi. This discussion revisited Jinnah’s vision, reminding us of the nation’s founding ideals while questioning how far we may have strayed from those original goals. It’s a reflection many Pakistanis grapple with today, as they seek to understand their place in a nation that often feels divided and constrained.

Dr Abed Chaudhury spoke on Science, Art and Heritage, examining the intersection of these fields, particularly in Pakistan’s cultural context, where scientific progress and cultural preservation sometimes appear at odds. Chaudhury’s talk highlighted how science and cultural identity can coexist. The dialogue was especially relevant as Pakistan navigates the balance between traditional values and modern advancements.

The session - Nasr, Nazm, Aur Naya Daur – highlighted contemporary trends in Urdu poetry and prose. Speakers Saani Syed and Imrana Maqsood discussed the evolving themes in Urdu literature, showing how our narratives grow in complexity as societal issues become more intricate—a testament to the resilience of our creative spirit.

Social justice, feminism and education: calls to action

Aisha Sarwari’s Heart Tantrums: A Feminist’s Memoir on Misogyny and Marriage offered a remarkable perspective on the challenges faced by Pakistani women. In conversation with Maria Memon, Sarwari addressed deeply rooted issues of patriarchy, bringing to light the struggles women face both in and outside of marriage. This session was a strong reminder that literature can be a catalyst for change, encouraging a society to move towards gender equality. It was one of the most impactful sessions.

The Educating Pakistan panel discussion was a wake-up call on the need for educational reforms. As panelists shared success stories and best practices, it became evident that Pakistan’s future depends on empowering its youth through quality education. This session highlighted how a fair and effective education system could transform the socio-economic landscape of the country.

One of the festival’s most evocative sessions was Sindh’s Sufi Soul, where Saif Samejo, Dr Sahar Gul and others celebrated the enduring beauty of Shah Abdul Latif’s poetry. They highlighted the ongoing relevance of Sufi traditions, offering solace and timeless wisdom to a society often in turmoil.

The Story of Karachi session, led by Ali K Chishti and Wajid Isfahani, provided a gritty, unfiltered exploration of the transformation of Pakistan’s largest city. Covering Karachi’s political landscape, food culture and urban complexities, the discussion painted a vivid portrait of a city with a rich past and a dynamic present. Karachi, with all its contradictions, mirrors Pakistan — a place where modernity and tradition collide in a sometimes ambiguous, yet profoundly meaningful, blend.

The Adab Festival closed with a performance by satirist Anwar Maqsood, who captured the spirit of the day with his signature wit and charm; a soulful musical interlude from Arieb Azhar; and a stunning dance performance by Shayma Saiyid.

The Adab Festival Pakistan isn’t just about celebrating literature; it’s about sparking critical conversations that Pakistan urgently needs. This festival serves as a reminder of the enduring power of words and ideas in an increasingly chaotic world. Through dialogue, performance and reflection, the festival underscores that literature and culture are not mere luxuries. They are essential to a society striving to understand itself and envision a brighter future.

The reviewer is the head of content at a communications agency