Ever since the dates for the annual Karachi Literature Festival were announced, people couldn’t wait for their favourite festival to commence. The location was Hotel Beach Luxury, an appropriate choice to house so many people and contain numerous stalls. Throughout all three days the event took place, thousands showed up to buy a book, attend a session, look around or simply to have sumptuous snacks from the Food Court.
Renowned speakers from within Pakistan and abroad were issued the invites. Most of them came, to the public’s delight whereas some of them could not. Anupam Kher’s dilemma did make headlines as did Nandita Das’ health excuse for not attending KLF 2016. However, setbacks they might be, but couldn’t hinder the public from showing up in droves at the appointed venue. Some of the sessions that generated quite an interest among the audience were famous Barkha Dutt’s book launch, Laughter is the Best Medicine (moderated by Nadeem F. Paracha), Tharparkar: Desert Woes, The Dilemmas of the Transgender and Salman Khurshid’s book launch.
As was expected, numerous book stalls were lined up for prospective customers to take a look at. Adjacent to the Main Garden, a large canopy was set up under which book vendors had set up their stalls. Another mobile book shop was set up inside the Main Garden of the hotel. Throughout the three days, over 200 speakers informed, amused, enthralled and entertained audience members. Saad Haroon had attendees in hysterics via his signature stand-up comedy act at the closing ceremony on Sunday while Zoe Viccaji had already rocked the crowd on the first day.
All in all, the Karachi Literature Festival was a resounding success. Such events not only highlight Karachi’s literary significance but also provide the city’s residents to relax and enjoy. As stated above, throughout the festival, people showed up in huge numbers. Sessions were held in the Main Garden, Tulip/Terrace, Jasmine, 007 and Aquarius venues (among others).
Such events should be held in Pakistan in general and Karachi in particular, since the lit-lovers from the city couldn’t get enough of the festival. Also, attendees were delighted to meet and greet some of their favourite celebrities not only from within the country but from across the border as well. Views were shared, ideas were exchanged and
