By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the heart of Peshawar, a dream was brewing for years, waiting to burst into reality and sprinkle the city with the essence of literature and intellectual growth. Abdur Rehman, a passionate cultural enthusiast and SUSI alumnus 2012, nurtured this dream since 2018, envisioning a grand Literary Festival that would reclaim the space for literature and bring people together.

With each passing year, Rehman’s determination grew stronger, and his vision expanded to encompass every aspect of literature and creative expression. And so, with unwavering determination and support from the Mission Initiated Alumni Small Grant (MIASG), the “Peshawar Literary Festival – Season I” finally unfolded in the first quarter of 2023. The festival was not just another gathering; it was an intellectual platform where literature thrived, ideas flowed, and voices resonated in harmonious unity. He saw the Literary Festival as more than just a gathering; it was an intellectual extravaganza, a celebration of ideas and thoughts that would resonate with the city’s soul.

The “Peshawar Literary Festival” exceeded everyone’s expectations. The festival had plenary sessions, where prominent literary figures engaged in thought-provoking deliberations. Workshops on creative writing, theatre, and journalistic writing were in full swing, igniting the passion for expression in aspiring writers.

Poetry recitations filled the air with emotions, while the soul-stirring music reverberated through the hearts of the attendees. Every nook and corner of the festival venue was adorned with literary gems, creating an atmosphere of awe and admiration.

Rehman’s love for literature and books was evident in every aspect of the festival. The festival showcased classic and contemporary literature, uniting people from different walks of life in a harmonious celebration of ideas. It provided a safe space for debate, where diverse perspectives mingled, fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding.

Through the project, 80 youth received training in creative writing, while 50 others delved into the world of performing arts. The Literary Festival nurtured a culture of intellectual growth and acceptance, bridging gaps and fostering connections among people from various literary circles.

Aleena Shaikh, a 20-year-old attendee, expressed her awe at the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, discovering the hidden talent of Peshawar. “Such activities are beneficial for us students,” she said, “as we learn new things, meet new people, and develop communication skills.”

Shahid Ali Khan, 23, from Charsadda, shared how the festival’s journalistic writing workshop enriched his skills, helping him in his profession as a budding journalist.

Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for this transformative project was an excellent experience. The Peshawar Literary Festival became a beacon of hope, shining brightly amidst the challenges, and igniting the passion for literature and creative expression across the city.

With a resounding success in its first season, the Literary Festival is set to become a beacon of culture and inspiration, fostering many more chapters across KP in the coming years. Rehman’s dream has become a reality, and his vision of literature as a unifying force has touched the lives of thousands, leaving an everlasting impact on Peshawar’s literary landscape.

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