Fatima Jinnah Women University Hosts 2nd Fatimians’ Literature Festival

What Happened

Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) in Rawalpindi hosted the 2nd Fatimians’ Literature Festival (FLF 2026) from October 20 to 22, 2026 [1]. The event was organized by the university’s Department of English in collaboration with the Department of Urdu Zaban-o-Adab and the Department of Anthropology [1, 2]. The festival’s theme was “Reading Peace, Writing Change: Celebrating Literacy, Literature, and Human Connection” [1].

On the first day, October 20, the inaugural ceremony featured Prof. Dr. Najiba Arif, former Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Osama Siddique as the Guest of Honour [1]. During a reading session moderated by Dr. Akifa Imtiaz, Prof. Dr. Najiba Arif read from her memoir, “Raagni Ki Khoj Main” [1]. Dr. Osama Siddique presented excerpts from “Snuffing Out the Moon,” “Ghuroob-e-Shehr Ka Waqt,” and “Who Knows the Bounds of Desire” [1]. The evening included a Mushaira at the New Auditorium, presided over by poet Rahat Sarhadi, with Imad Azhar and Dr. Fauzia Sehar Malik as Guests of Honour [1]. Poets participating included Mazhar Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Chauhan, Mehnaz Benjamin, Shazia Akbar, Kashif Irfan, Khizar Saleem, and Rifat Anjum [1].

On the second day, a book launch ceremony was held for Prof. Dr. Farhat Jabeen Virk, Chairperson of the Department of Urdu Zaban-o-Adab [1]. The ceremony was presided over by Muhammad Hamid Shahid, with Guests of Honour Prof. Dr. Humaira Ishfaq, Dr. Salahuddin Darwaish, and Dr. Shafiq Anjam [1].

The festival concluded with a closing ceremony where Naela Chohan, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Australia, served as the chief guest [2]. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Azra Yasmin were also present [2]. The valedictory session included a classical dance by Asfandyar Anees Khattak and a drum circle led by Niddal Bin Tahir [2].

Who Is Affected

The event involved students and faculty from FJWU, as well as those from affiliated institutions including Sir Syed College of Education & Professional Training Wah Cantt and Akhuwat College for Women Chakwal [2]. Other notable attendees included social activist Dr. Fauzia Saeed, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Sarwet Rasul, Chairperson of the Department of English Dr. Uzma Imtiaz, and Festival Coordinator Dr. Zain-ul-Maqsood [1, 2].