PESHAWAR (April 21, 2026) — The third edition of the Peshawar Literature Festival (PLF) kicked off at Nishtar Hall on Monday, transforming the city’s cultural hub into a vibrant space for intellectual discourse. Organized by the Culture, Literature, and Development Organization (CLADO) in partnership with the Directorate of Youth Affairs, the festival’s opening day emphasized the intersection of traditional heritage and the digital future.
Opening Day Highlights
- The Theme was “Youth, Women, and the Future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
- Panel discussions on demographic dividends, open mic sessions, and specialized activities for children.
- A performance by renowned Pashto folk singer Fayyaz Khan Kheshgi.
- Large turnout of students, entrepreneurs, and civil society members focusing on social change through arts and technology.
Third season of Peshawar Literature Festival opens at Nishtar Hall https://t.co/aEpiT2jJRM
— Pakistan Today (@ePakistanToday) April 21, 2026
Navigating the Digital Frontier
A major highlight of the day was the urgent call for a national vision on Artificial Intelligence. Panelist Shafeeq Gigyani warned that as the world transitions toward AI, Pakistan must evolve from being a “consumer” to a “creator.” He argued that this shift requires a foundational investment in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and critical thinking to ensure the youth can meaningfully contribute to global technological shaping.
Demographic Dividend or Liability?
During the flagship panel, experts engaged in a frank discussion regarding the province’s massive youth bulge.
Economic Inclusion: Zubair Khattak outlined government skills-development programs, while Amna Durrani highlighted structural barriers preventing women from accessing economic justice and education.
Urban-Rural Divide: Discussion centered on the need for ecosystem-building that empowers entrepreneurs outside of major urban centers.
Social Equity: Panelists warned that without inclusive policies for women and vocational training, the province’s youthful population could become a socio-economic liability rather than an asset.
A Platform for Substantive Change
Chief organizer Shahbuddin Khan told the media that the PLF aims to do more than celebrate books; it is designed to motivate the youth to volunteer for societal change and confront modern challenges head-on. The festival continues through the week, with upcoming sessions expected to delve deeper into regional languages, Pashto literature, and contemporary geopolitical narratives.
You May Like To Read: Hinglaj Mata festival draws record 300,000 pilgrims in Balochistan
Check out our latest video:
