EDITORIAL :
The Quetta Literary Festival (QLF) has proved to be a vibrant platform for birthing new ideas and it must be supported in a nascent democracy. Leading authors, writers, poets, novelists, etc spoke candidly about the factors, which shape the sociopolitical landscape in all 46 sessions during the historic festival.
Despite all odds, the organizers, faculty members, and students of the Balochistan University of Information Technology Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) were able to hold the third QLF on June 27 and 28.
Thousands turn up to participate in all 46 sessions
In a province where an open expression has become rare, the QLF provided an opportunity for all dissent voices to freely express their opinion without fear and being censured. They spoke with full freedom and shared their ideas. Crowds of the audience attended all 46 sessions held on the premise of the BUITEMS, which is considered to be the educational face of Balochistan.
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A total of 150 delegates including leading authors, poets, writers, artists, musicians, and journalists from across the country participated in the two-day event. As per rough estimates, around 20,000 people visited the QLF. This was overwhelming keeping in view the narrative of troubles and security issues of the province.
Literature and culture gathered to promote a soft image of Balochistan
Literature and culture were brought together and a soft and true image of Balochistan was promoted in all 46 sessions. The organizers had to cancel a Qawali program because of an unruly crowd entering the hall. Youth gathered outside the hall were asked to peacefully disperse.
Thousands turned up #QuettaLiteraryFestival… the administration was forced to cancel a program because of the crowd… pic.twitter.com/4EGTucnkzk
— Syed Ali Shah (@alishahjourno) June 28, 2022
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The message of love and peace in Balochistan and Pakistan was echoed in all sessions. This gave hope to the youth of Balochistan, a bright future without violence, and a sense of deprivation.
This was the third QLF. The provincial and federal governments should encourage the organizers, faculty members and students of other universities and colleges in Balochistan to organize such events to give a learning and exposure opportunity to the students.
