QUETTA: A panel discussion, fine art exhibition, book fair and other programmes were held on the second day of the Quetta Literary Festival (QLF) on Tuesday.

The festival was organised by the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences.

“Filmmakers, intellectuals, writers, artists and a large number of citizens have participated in the festival and taken great interest in the programmes,” the university’s vice chancellor Dr Farooq Bazai said while speaking at a session.
The festival would be helpful in portraying a positive image of Balochistan before the world, he said. The festival would pave the way for more art and culture activities in Balochistan, he said, adding that it would also play role in the socio-economic development of the province.

A panel discussion was held on film and drama where veteran director Jami, Jamal Shah, Zeba Bakhtiar and other artists discussed issues and problems being faced by the film industry and other institutions relating to drama and film.

Renowned poet and intellectual Amjad Islam Amjad recited his poetry at a special session. Local poets also shared their thoughts in regional languages.

Mr Amjad, while speaking on the occasion, said that the festival would prove to be a milestone for Balochistan. “Through this festival we have built a strong relationship with Balochistan’s youth,” he added.

Senior journalists Wusatullah Khan, Mubashir Zaidi and Zarrar Khuro held a session in which students and other participants asked questions about the prevailing political situation and other issues in the country.

A large number of people visited book stalls where books written by 40 veteran writers were on display.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2018