ISLAMABAD - The 10th edition of the Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF), organized by Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan, in Collaboration with Getz Pharma, and NEO Paints (Gold Sponsor), opened to an enthusiastic crowd today. The theme ‘Sustainability: Words Change Mindsets,’ was well received and enabled persuasive discourses throughout the day. ILF has become a vital platform for intellectual growth and literary exploration in the beautiful capital of Pakistan.
The inaugeral session comprised a hearty welcome address by Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press Pakistan; keynotes by H.E. Jane Marriot, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Maleeha Lodhi, Former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations; and Zehra Nigah, Poet and scriptwriter.
Remarks were shared by Natalie Baker, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Islamabad. The inaugural session concluded with an enthralling performance, titled ‘Jaag,’ by Samiya Mumtaz and Adnan Jahangir. Three enriched sessions, exploring the journey to economic growth, and Urdu and Pushto literature followed.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue; in a conversation with Vaqar Ahmed, titled ‘Economic Stabilization and the Journey to Growth,’ discussed Pakistan’s investment climate, stating that the figures are visible to all. “Philanthropy is a valuable resource, but the country needs taxes to sustain long-term growth. Energy costs are moving towa.
