PESHAWAR: The soft launch of Peshawar Literary Festival (PLF) took place at a private hotel here that was attended by poets and writers from across KP.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Abaseen Yousafzai said that such events were the need of the hour. He said that the festival would not only provide recognition to the literature of the region but also would promote the soft image of Peshawar.

Bushra Farrukh said that the festival would bring different languages together. Akbar Hoti, Mehraban Elahi, Kalsoomzeb and Ali Gul Faraz also appreciated the step and termed it a good beginning of the new year for Peshawarites.

Hamid Khan, deputy director of youth affairs, in his brief speech said that youth directorate appreciated such activities and in the past had taken various initiatives for youth.

The festival, supported by the US embassy in Pakistan and youth directorate, would take place from Feb 3 to 5. It will host writers from across the country and also conduct workshops on creative writing and theatre. The ceremony concluded with musical performance by Saf.K and Bilal Khattak.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2023