By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: Sukkur is set to host the Pakistan Literature Festival 2025, Chapter II, as the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi brings back the vibrant cultural event to the city. Scheduled to begin on February 25 at Sukkur IBA University, the festival will be inaugurated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, marking a renewed celebration of literature, poetry, and intellectual exchange.
A press conference at Sukkur IBA University set the stage for the much-anticipated event, with President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Mayor of Sukkur Arsalan Islam Sheikh, Vice Chancellor of Sukkur IBA University Asif Ahmed Sheikh, and Chairman of District Council Sukkur and Local Council Association Pakistan Syed Kumail Haider Shah addressing the media.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed his excitement about bringing the festival back to Sukkur, describing it as an initiative that redefines the city’s cultural identity. “Sukkur was once known for unfortunate headlines, but through the Pakistan Literature Festival, we have reclaimed its reputation as the land of Sheikh Ayaz,” he said. He emphasized the festival’s dedication to education, higher learning, the digital era, and artificial intelligence, highlighting Sukkur IBA University’s rising international recognition for its academic contributions.
The festival will also explore agriculture, Sindh’s literary heritage, and the evolution of poetry and storytelling, along with a special tribute to the late Akash Ansari. A diverse representation of over 60 languages spoken in Pakistan is expected, with the participation of celebrated writers, poets, and artists. “No festival should be confined to one language,” Ahmed Shah asserted. “Every child deserves education in their mother tongue, and while Urdu remains our unifying language, we are proud to have full support from the Sindh government.”
For Mayor of Sukkur Arsalan Islam Sheikh, the festival represents a collective achievement for the city. Commending Ahmed Shah and the Sukkur IBA team, he described the festival as “a beautiful bouquet of diverse voices, brought together in one place.” Chairman Syed Kumail Haider Shah pledged his commitment to bringing more cultural initiatives to Sukkur. “Due to Sukkur’s distance from Karachi, literary festivals have been rare here, but the enthusiasm of our people proves their importance,” he said, assuring full government support for the event.
Sukkur IBA University’s Vice Chancellor, Asif Ahmed Sheikh, acknowledged the transformative impact of the festival. “Chapter I of the festival broke records for literary events in Pakistan. The participation of writers, poets, and artists from across the country makes this a significant milestone in our city’s cultural revival,” he remarked. The festival will conclude with a Mega Musical Concert, featuring some of the country’s most celebrated musicians, including Ali Azmat, Havi, Akhtar Chanal Zehri, Khudgharz, Armaan Rahim, Muneeb Khan, Gizri, and Mustafa Baloch.
As Sukkur prepares to welcome literary giants and cultural enthusiasts, the Pakistan Literature Festival 2025 promises to be a powerful testament to the city’s literary and artistic renaissance.
