On January 18, 2026, the 11th Hyderabad Literature Festival (HLF) officially opened its doors at a local hotel, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of intellectual discourse and cultural celebration. Launched under the evocative theme ‘Beauty in Diversity,’ the two-day event was inaugurated by Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, who emphasized Sindh’s historical role as a sanctuary of peace and pluralism.
The Echoes of Antiquity
The festival commenced with a powerful nod to Sindh’s spiritual heritage. The air was filled with the soulful notes of a Wai by the legendary Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, performed by renowned singer Anu Solangi. A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the spotlight on the Bhurindo, an ancient, vessel-flute-like musical instrument dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Recently recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible heritage, the Bhurindo served as a sonic bridge between Mohenjo-Daro and the modern audience.
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Honoring Legacies
The HLF has always been a platform for recognizing those who have shaped Pakistan’s cultural narrative. This year, the organizers conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards upon six distinguished personalities:
Sakina Samo and Samina Ahmed (Iconic actresses)
Humera Channa (Renowned singer)
Wusat Ullah Khan (Veteran journalist)
Naseer Mirza (Broadcaster and writer)
Afzal Ahmed Syed (Eminent poet)
A Space for Dialogue
Beyond the performances, the festival featured deep-dive sessions on media ethics, linguistic diversity, and regional history. Keynote speaker Haris Khalique urged writers to ‘connect all segments of society,’ while panels discussed the evolving challenges of digital journalism. By hosting students from Gilgit alongside local scholars, the HLF successfully lived up to its theme, proving that literature remains a powerful force for national cohesion.
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