BAHAWALPUR: A two-day Bahawalpur Literary and Cultural Festival began at the Islamia University’s Baghdadul Jadid campus on Wednesday.

IUB Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Athar Mehboob, along with ex-parliamentarian and chairman organising committee Syed Tabsih Alwari, inaugurated the event at the main auditorium.

They described the event as a milestone in the history of the IUB which would play its pivotal role in keeping the traditions alive.

A number of people including the teachers and the taught attended the festival. The inaugural function was addressed by Dr Shahid Rizvi and columnist Wajahat Masood.

The winners of Qirat and Na’at competitions were given away prizes. Sheikhul Quran Muhammad Ali Abdul Muati of Al-Azhar University, Cairo also recited a verse from the Holy Quran.

The VC and Tabish Alwari jointly inaugurated the handicraft exhibition, a book exhibition, food fest, art exhibition, planting to mark the Clean and Green Pakistan Index campaign in the country and a flower show.

On the second day (Thursday), an all-Pakistan mushaira (poetry recital), theatre/drama performance and a media conclave would be held.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2020