The inaugural on 15th May, 2024 of the Pakistan Literature Festival at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) was a vibrant and intellectually stimulating affair, featuring a diverse array of sessions aimed at promoting literature, culture, and artistic expression. Here's a comprehensive report of all sessions held throughout the day:
1. Inaugural Session at ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER (10:00 AM):
The event commenced with a grand inaugural session featuring a Welcome Address by Mohammad Ahmed Shah, followed by Chief Guest Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai speaker provincial assembly of Balochistan's address. Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah was honored as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS delivered the Vote of Thanks, and the session was smoothly emceed by Huma Mir.
2. Khushhal Balochistan Mustehkam Pakistan (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 11:30 AM):
Panelists including Fawad Hasan Fawad, Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Saleem Safi, Shamsuddin Ahmad Shaikh and Hafeez Jamali discussed strategies for a prosperous Balochistan, moderated by Shahzada Zulfiqar.
3. Meher Garh: Historical & Cultural Heritage of Balochistan (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 12:30 PM):
Haji Lashkari Raisani, Kaleem ullah Lashari, Asma Ibrahim, and Farooq Baloch explored the historical significance of Meher Garh, under the moderation of Naveed Marwat.
4. Ali Zaryoon Aur Aaj Ki Shairi (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 1:30 PM):
Host Wajahat Rauf curated a session celebrating contemporary poetry and its relevance in today's world.
5. Governance for People's Empowerment (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 2:30 PM):
Panelists including Fawad Hasan Fawad, Fouzia Viqar, Usman Chachar and Shakil Qadir discussed governance strategies for empowering communities, moderated by Omar Shahid Hamid.
6. Anwar Maqsood: Zindagi Ki Baatein (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 3:30 PM):
Host Adnan Siddiqui engaged the audience with anecdotes and reflections on life by the renowned Anwar Maqsood.
7. Federation of Pakistan & Balochistan (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 4:15 PM):
Abdul Malik Baloch, Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Sanaullah Baloch, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal explored the dynamics of federalism and the role of Balochistan within the federation, guided by Saleem Safi.
8. Mahira Khan: Pakistan's Superstar (ARFA KARIM RANDHAVA EXPO CENTER, 4:15 PM):
Host Wajahat Rauf showcased the journey of Mahira Khan, highlighting her impact on Pakistan's entertainment industry.
9. Moasir Balochi, Pashto Brahvi Adab Aur Unkay Rujhanat (Orange Hall, 11:30 AM):
Waheed Zaheer, Waheed Noor, and Naseeb Ullah Seemab delved into contemporary literature and literary trends in Balochi, Pashto, and Brahvi, moderated by Hamid Baloch.
10. Media Literacy & Critical Thinking (Orange Hall, 12:30 PM):
Babrak Niaz, Hamza Shafqaat, and Shahid Rind addressed the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in navigating social media challenges, led by Hamna Malik.
11. Sailab Ko Na Rokiye Rasta Banaiye, How to cope with floods? (Orange Hall, 1:30 PM):
Hafeez Jamali, Nasir Majeed Baloch and Syed Qurban Gharshin discussed coping mechanisms for natural disasters through poetry and resilience, moderated by Beenish Sultan.
12. Tehseen-e-fann, Tribute to Legendry Singer Ustad Noor Muhammad Noorul (Orange Hall, 2:30 PM):
Mumtaz Yousuf and Gulzar Gichki paid homage to the legendary singer, Ustad Noor Muhammad Noorul, celebrating his musical legacy under the guidance of AR Daad.
13. Khushboo Ki Tarah Aam Kiya Hum Nay Sukhan Ko: Dialougue with
literary figures of Balochistan (Orange Hall, 3:30 PM):
Literary figures Munir Badini, Darwaish Durrani, ans Arif Zia engaged in a dialogue, symbolizing the literary richness of Balochistan, moderated by Sharf Shaad.
14. Book Launches (Pink Hall, 12:30 AM):
Several books were launched, featuring authors such as Ishaq Khamosh (APURS), Sharf Shaad Gulzar Gichki (Zaherouk), Irshad Rahim Sadiq Mari (Kareizo’n main behta pani), Waheed Noor Yaar Jaan Badini (Tayl kaptagen Meshani Shohaz), Manzoor Ahmed Zehri moderated by Shakil Khan.
15. Koi daikhy tou chiraghon ka firozan hona: Bright Youth of Balochistan (Pink Hall, 1:30 AM):
Shahzaib Rind, Abid Brohi Imran Hara, Tahira Baloch, and Tamseel Hafsa discussed the potential of Balochistan's youth, moderated by Absa Komal.
16. Book Launch “Sehra main chale bad e naseeb” desserts can bloom
Panelists: Habiba Hassan, Hafeez Jam Moderator: Syed Jaffer Ahmed
17. Balochi, Brahvi, Pashto, Hazaragi Mushaira (6:00 PM):
The evening concluded with a colorful mushaira, showcasing the linguistic diversity and cultural vibrancy of the region by Darwaish Durrani, Munstar Younul, Aalam Ajeeb, AR Daad, Irshad Parvaz. Zubair Mukhtar, Arif Aziz, Khayyam Sana, Mustafa Etuni, Hassan Nasir, Wasaf Basit, Humaira Sadaf, Hassani Host: lshaq Khamosh, hosted by Ishaq Khamosh.
Additionally, BUITEMS hosted:
Faculty Exhibition at the Fine Arts Main Art Gallery.
Video Art Installation titled "Aas Ey Motk | The Dirge of Fire" by Hammal Khan at the Fine Arts Digital Lab.
Students Exhibition at Fine Arts:
Gallery 1 and Gallery 2, SS Block 1st Floor, showcasing the creative talents of BUITEMS students.
The first day of the Pakistan Literature Festival at BUITEMS was a resounding success, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with literature, art, and culture in diverse and enriching ways.