News Report

The Inaugural Ceremony of Dosti Peshawar women’s Literature Festival, 1st Edition held in District Assembly Hall, Peshawar City on 6th, November 2023 was a success in bringing together renowned poetesses, authors, readers and academicians for inspiring and empowering future generation. Inaugural Ceremony conducted by Dr Sadia Nazeer, recitation and National Anthem.

Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmed (T.I), Vice Chancellor of Benazir University welcomes the Chief Guest Begum Chief Minister Dr Parveen Azam and Mayor Mr.Haji Zubair Ali, all the guests and attendees for showing their presence at the inaugural of festival. She in her speech spoke about the significance of women’s involvement and contribution to literature and the need to support and encourage gender equality in the field of literature. She expressed the pride Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University holds for hosting first ever women’s Literature Festival. She keyed up about the successful four days of literature festival and its sessions.

Ms Bushra Farrukh, first PTV announcer and chairperson of Karwan-e-Hawa began the festival with her thought provoking key note speech. Ms Bushrra said that women have always been an important part of literature. Further she stated that literature is the reflection of a society.

The inaugural Ceremony of Dosti Peshawar women’s Literature Festival also featured an interesting poetry recital by celebrated poetess Ms Samina Qadir, Dr Antal Zia, Dr Shahida Sardar, Samina Mehboob and Dr Saba. The themes of poetry recitals touched self-discovery, resilience, feminism and they very well captivated the audience with their great verses.

Literature enthusiasts had the opportunity to get engaged with the author book talk on Ms Gul Arabab’s book named “ Dandasa”. This session was moderated by Dr Raheela Khursheed.

Panel Talk Aankho Dekha - A candid discussion with women in Peace-building and Development was also an attractive feature of the event. The Moderator of this session was Romaisa and the Panelists: Kayenat Hameed, Dr. Nusrat, Dr. Saima Gul. The penalists discussed the role they played as a writer, psychologist and as an academician their role in peace building process in our society,

One of the inspiring sessions in the festival was a success story shared by Ms Neelum Afridi where she shared her thoughts about the need and importance of literature festival in contemporary era. She encouraged others to pursue their dreams and face the hindrances coming across their literary journey.

Mr Irfan Khan from Dosti foundation delivered a speech appreciating women in literary field as well as acknowledged the contribution of Dr Hamida Bibi, Ms Tashfeen Zia, Dr Sumaira Gull, Ms Sania Siraj, and  the whole dedicated organizing team. He further paid a gratitude to Governor Peshawar and Mayor Peshawar for their unconditional support for the conduction of women literature festival. He believed that literature and education together will lead towards the path of better future.

Mayor Mr.Haji Zubair Ali, Mayor Capital Metropolitan Government Peshawar, addressed audience by Congratulating Prof. Dr Safia Ahmed (T.I) on conducting the first ever women literature festival as a Vice Chancellor of SBBWU. He expressed the commitment of the government in balancing gender equality in multiple areas of society. He emphasized on the importance of reading books and to use social media for the promotion of literature. He conveyed his best wishes for the further conduction of the Festival till 9th of November. He believed that Peshawar women’s Literature Festival successfully combine literature with empowerment and this would be celebrated under the banner of literature festival.

Dr. Parveen Azam Khan Begum Chief Minister thanked Prof. Dr Safia Ahmed (T.I) and the organizing team for making her a part of first ever Women Literature Festival. She appreciated the role literature plays in society and how literature depicted the historical background of Peshawar its beautiful customs and culture.

The conclusion of the inaugural event was done with distributing shields and souvenir among the guests and participants. All the organizers, co-organizers and facilitators were appreciated for their overwhelming commitment and support. NCHD also played an integral role in this festival. We are thankful to Mr Anwar Iqbal, Director NCHD and Mr Ijaz, Deputy Director NCHD for the cooperation at every step.

To generate and construct better and more inclusive literary world this festival will carry its activities for next four days including different literary sessions, city tour, and exhibition and closing ceremony on 9th of November.

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