Fourth Faiz International Festival kicks off

LAHORE - The 4th Faiz International Festival kicked off at Alhamra Hall in Lahore on Friday. The three-day festival will continue till November 18.

This mega event is perhaps the biggest congregation of the renowned writers, intellectuals, artists, peace and human rights activists not only from Pakistan but from many other countries of the world, predominantly from India. There would be more than 40 sessions in all during Faiz International Festival.

Renowned literary personalities, artists and intellectuals would be participating in the highly enlightening sessions and express their views. Noted Indian poet Javed Akhtar and his film star wife Shabana Azmi reached Lahore from India through Wagah Border to attend the three-day festival.

On the opening day, Indian superstar, peace and human rights activist Shabana Azmi expressed her views during an organised interactive session titled “Koafi Aur Faiz” along with Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s illustrious daughter Samila Hashmi, Faiz’s grandson Adeel and granddaughter Mira Hashmi.

Talking to media on Thursday night, Salima Hashmi said: "It is an honour for us to host this event and have numerous guests at the festival."

The festival is expected to pick up even more on the weekend, with the festivities starting at 11 am on both Saturday and Sunday morning, and continuing on into the night. Highlighters for the coming days include Zia Mohyeddin, Tina Sani and other performances besides various talks of socio-political nature.

The Faiz International Festival is an amalgamation of music, art and literature. It brings for the audience theatre performances, musical evenings, film shows, art exhibitions, discussions, folk nights and much more.