Annual International Faiz Festival is set to commence in Lahore this weekend. Three-day event will host foreign delegates from countries including UK, Canada, USA and India for its various literary, music and art activities. More than 60 events comprising discussions, lectures, theatre, dance performances and qawwali will be held at Alhamra Arts Council.

Faiz Festival is moving forward with vision and mission of Faiz Ahmad Faiz,” late poet’s daughter Muneeba Hashmi shared with publication. “We’re trying to bring in balance between quality and relevance with performances this year.”

Renowned Indian lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar will be at forefront of said delegation. During festival, he will be launching his new book and will be part of mushaira as well.”

Muneeba will be part of panel being moderated by Adeel Hashmi. “Rizwan Wali Muhammad son of Habib Wali Muhammad is coming to Pakistan from US and will present his father’s and Faiz’s works including his own songs. From UK, delegation of qawwals from family of Sabri gharana will be performing. Kathak dancer Farah Yasmeen Sheikh is coming to Faiz festival.”

“All performances are free of cost except singer Shafqat Amanat Ali’s concert which will cost Rs 3,000 per ticket. We are paying special tribute to Amjad Islam Amjad and Zia Mohyeddin Sahab during festival.

Dr Arifa Sayed, Zahra Nigar, Sarmad Sultan Khosat, poet Ali Mazhar, Fazal Jaat, Irfan Khosat, Imran Abas, Dr Sugra Sadaf will be attending festival.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 16 2023

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