Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: October 30, 2023 | 
| 中文
(R to L) Mustafa Qureshi, Munawwar Saeed, CM Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar, President ACP, Syed Muhammad Ahmed Shah
In the heart of Sukkur, a city whose cultural potential had long been underestimated, the Pakistan Literature Festival unfolded as a cultural revelation, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history. Over the course of two remarkable days, October 28 and 29, the Sukkur IBA campus became the epicentre of the largest literary gathering in the city's history, hosting an astonishing crowd of 27,000 enthusiasts. This literary extravaganza, orchestrated by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, not only shattered attendance records but also elevated Sukkur to new heights, proving its mettle as a cultural powerhouse.
The festival's charm lay not just in its sheer scale, but in its profound ability to bridge generational and cultural gaps. Literary luminaries, including Noor ul Huda Shah, Kishwer Naheed and Ghazi Salahuddin, became more than distant figures; they emerged as conduits connecting the past, present and future of Pakistani literature. The intimate conversations and personal anecdotes shared during the sessions, fostered a sense of camaraderie amongst the diverse attendees, creating a literary community that transcended the confines of Sukkur.
Kishwar Naheed, Mehtab Akbar Rashidi, Noor Ul Huda Shah, Nafisa Shah, Shabir Shar and Fiza Pitafi discuss the oppression of young women in Sitam ki Rasmain
President ACP, Mohammad Ahmed Shah’s, commitment to bringing the festival to Sukkur underscored the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi's dedication to inclusivity. The acknowledgment of Sukkur as "our own city", resonated deeply with the attendees, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in the cultural renaissance witnessed over these two remarkable days.
The festival's impact extended far beyond the literary realm, delving into crucial societal issues. Sessions addressing copyright concerns in folk music, the challenges in Sindh's education system and the aspirations of the youth, demonstrated the festival's commitment to being a platform for dialogue, advocacy and positive change. Sukkur, bathed in the afterglow of this literary extravaganza, witnessed not only a surge in cultural awareness but also a renewed sense of identity. The streets buzzed with conversations, not just about the literary sessions but about the city's potential as a cultural hub. The festival was a catalyst for Sukkur's cultural reawakening, a moment where the city stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
The literary giants who graced the festival became more than icons, they became mentors, weaving the city's aspirations into the fabric of their narratives. Noor ul Huda Shah, a beacon of resistance in Sindh, found herself in a riveting conversation with Wusatullah Khan, delving into the accidental transformation of her youthful desire to write, into a symbol of defiance. Her reflections provided a glimpse into the power of the written word, especially when it emerges from the unfiltered thoughts of a child.
Wusat Ullah Khan in conversation with Noor Ul Huda Shah
Similarly, an engaging session between President ACP Mohammad Ahmed Shah and veteran actors Munawar Saeed and Mustafa Qureshi, gave the audience more than just anecdotes from the golden era of Pakistani cinema, and instead offered a chance to connect with the living legends. Mustafa Qureshi's declaration, "I am a certified shareef man who did villainous roles all his life, making way for people like me to do these roles for generations to come," resonated with the crowd, echoing the evolution of roles and norms in the entertainment industry.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah's session with Munawwar Saeed and Mustafa Qureshi
Munawar Saeed's journey, from an aspiring actor in India to a stalwart in the Pakistani film industry, became a tale of resilience and passion. "I wanted to be an actor when I was in India, but my family sent me to Pakistan, thinking there is no film or TV industry here. Little did they realize that I could get involved with radio immediately after getting here," he said. This revelation not only added a touch of humour to his narrative, but also showcased the twists of fate that shape artistic destinies.
Saif Samejo and Ahsan Bari, in their conversation on copyrights in folk music, brought attention to the exploitation faced by folk musicians. Samejo passionately advocated for literacy in terms of copyrights in the music fraternity, particularly for folk musicians who, in exchange for releasing a single song, often end up surrendering the copyrights of folk tunes that are the cultural heritage of the people of Sindh.
A session titled "Higher Education in Sindh: A Roadmap for the Future", unfolded with insights from Dr. Tariq Rafi. He shed light on the challenges in the education system, revealing that of the total number of students enrolled in primary schools, only 4% reach the secondary level, and a mere 2% go in for higher education. Dr. Rafi acknowledged that Sindh was lagging behind the rest of Pakistan, while the education system of Pakistan was in a disarray.
The panel discussion on ‘Higher Education in Sindh, A Roadmap for the Future’
Dr. Fatima Dayo's session on "Youth Empowerment: Hopes & Aspirations", resonated with the younger generation. She underscored the importance of self-belief among the youth, asserting that institutions need to instill confidence in students that they can create products that sell, start successful businesses, and contribute meaningfully to society. Her words echoed in the minds of the young attendees, encouraging their aspirations.
The session on ‘Youth Empowerment, Hopes and Aspirations’
The festival wasn't just a literary carnival, but a multifaceted exploration of Sindh's cultural, social and economic dynamics. A session dedicated to Sindh's agricultural economy, titled "Sindh’s Agricultural Economy: Sindhi Haari Tehreek," brought attention to the challenges and aspirations of the region. The discussion encapsulated the intricate relationship between the people of Sindh and their agricultural heritage, shedding light on the efforts needed to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future. The problem of Haaris or landless peasants in Sindh is a central issue of the Sindh agricultural sector. The tehreek/movement was founded in 1930 by G.M. Syed, and in 1947 Haider Buksh Jatoi became President of the Sindh Hari Committee. It was the voice of the exploited peasants under a very oppressive feudal system.
The Pakistan Literature Festival, Sukkur, concluded with a dazzling mega concert featuring Asim Azhar, Saif Samejo, Wahab Bugti, Sounds of Kolachi, ACMA the band and local musicians. Asim Azhar's soulful voice, along with diverse performances created an electrifying atmosphere. The concert celebrated the fusion of global and local sounds, providing a fitting finale to the cultural extravaganza.
Asim Azhar performing during the festival
As we reflect on the pages of this literary chapter, one cannot help but commend the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, for their tireless efforts in reviving the literary spirit of Sindh. The Pakistan Literature Festival, Sukkur, not only broke attendance records but also broke barriers, uniting people through the shared love of literature. The festival was not just an event, but instead a cultural revelation, and Sukkur now stands as a testament to the transformative power of literature and the unwavering commitment of organizations like the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, to keep the flame of literary heritage burning bright across the diverse landscapes of Pakistan. The festival's success not only exceeded expectations, but also elevated Sukkur to a new level of cultural prominence.
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