- Moment of silence for Gul Plaza and Islamabad bombing victims sets somber tone
- CM Shah highlights literature as stabilizing force in uncertain times as 3-day festival brings together over 200 writers, thinkers and artists
- Keynotes by Sherry Rehman and Nasir Abbas Nayyar spotlight literature’s power to shape societies
KARACHI: The 17th Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2026 opened at the Beach Luxury Hotel on a somber note, observing a moment of silence for the victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy and those who lost their lives in today’s Islamabad bombing.
The inaugural event marked the start of a three-day literary celebration, bringing together writers, thinkers, and readers to explore literature and culture under the theme “Literature in a Fragile World.”
Organised by Oxford University Press Pakistan (OUPP), this year’s festival is again sponsored by the Government of Sindh as Title Sponsor and Getz Pharma as Gold Sponsor, with support from the British Deputy High Commission Karachi, the British Council, the Goethe-Institute, Alliance Française, the Embassy of France, and other corporate partners.
Chief Guest Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, emphasized the role of literature and culture in shaping an enlightened society. “In times of global uncertainty, literature provides stability and humanity. Literature in a Fragile World, as this year’s theme suggests, is both timely and deeply relevant. Literature serves as a stabilizing and humanizing force in such times,” he said.
Sindh CM @MuradAliShahPPP inaugurates the 17th #KarachiLiteratureFestival, calling literature a vital force for empathy, resilience, and social understanding in an increasingly fragile world. He lauds #OUP #Pakistan for sustaining KLF for 17 years. pic.twitter.com/2dcvATirtR
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) February 6, 2026
In his welcome address, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of OUP Pakistan, added, “Literature is not an indulgence; it is a civic imperative. This festival embodies responsible innovation and shared prosperity. Dialogue has long been the craft of this city; we convene to question, reflect, and understand. Only sustainable forms of power persuade through evidence, empathy, and perseverance.”
The festival’s international dimension was highlighted by Alexis Chahtahtinsky, Consul General of France, who praised KLF as a celebration of knowledge, culture, and civilization. Lance Domm, British Deputy High Commissioner, underscored the British contribution, bringing acclaimed authors to the festival.
Senator Sherry Rehman, delivering the keynote on the ‘New World Disorder,’ stressed: “Climate conferences are expensive and exclusive. If you are not on the table, you are on the menu. The Karachi Literature Festival has become the soul of Karachi. At this time, the world is in urgent need of knowledge and literature.”
Another keynote by Nasir Abbas Nayyar set the intellectual tone for the festival, highlighting the transformative power of literature in shaping societies and fostering critical thinking.
The keynote addresses were followed by the 2026 KLF-Getz Pharma Book Awards Ceremony. Winners included:
English Fiction Prize: Ferdowsnama by Shandana Minhas
Urdu Poetry Award: Aahang by Dilawar Ali Aazar
Urdu Prose Award: Namak ki Betiyan by Naseer Soomro
The ceremony concluded with a captivating Kathak performance by Nighat Choudhry and Kathak Souls, titled “Rhythm of Traditions through Poetry and Movement.”
The festival continued with a panel discussion on “Jinnah’s Vision for a Plural Pakistan”, featuring Javed Jabbar in conversation with Ayesha Tammy. This was followed by the first book launch of Matisse in Morocco: A Journey of Light and Colour by Jeff Koehler, moderated by Niilofur Farrukh.
Other highlights included a Sindhi Mushaira, film screenings of W.R.A.P. (We Really Are Pakistan) and Jinnah by Jamil Dehlavi, and a live performance by rappers from Gizri.
With over 200 speakers, 28 book launches, and participation from renowned writers, thinkers, and artists, KLF 2026 promises a vibrant space for discussions, literary exploration, and meaningful dialogue, further cementing its position as Karachi’s premier platform for literary and artistic expression.
