LAHORE: The fifth two-day Multan Literary Festival will commence on Saturday at the Multan Arts Council.

The inaugural session of the festival will feature a diverse range of topics, including modern trends in Seraiki poetry, traditional Seraiki storytelling, the recent popularity of novels, the impact and future of Pakistani art, drama discussions, talk shows’ influence on society, humanitarian movements, and our society’s emotions.

On the second day of the festival, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, will deliver a keynote address highlighting the literary and cultural gatherings prevalent in Pakistan.

The day will also include discussions on the current literary and cultural gatherings in Pakistan, the popularity of young poets, conversations with Salman Shahid, Urdu and philosophical discussions, Seraiki folk music, and the agenda and present-day Pakistan.

In addition, there will be sessions on Haryanvi language and literature, history and civilization, music and dance, a meeting with Tahzeeb Hafi, a conversation with Mirza Ather Baig and Nadim Virk, and a debate on the topic “Is the West our enemy and what will be the future perspective in south Punjab”. The day will conclude with an evening with Shakir Shujaabadi.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2024