The Karachi Literature Festival is an important cultural event, bringing together people who appreciate books, ideas, and artistic expression. This year’s edition welcomed a diverse community of writers, poets, scholars, students, and readers who came to explore new perspectives under the theme Literature in a Fragile World. The festival looked at how literature responds to global challenges, how culture helps societies process uncertainty, and how storytelling shapes understanding across generations.

Across three days, visitors experienced an engaging mix of panel discussions, book launches, poetry sessions, and critical debates. Writers shared their insights on how narratives can create awareness, influence thought, and inspire collective action.

A highlight of the festival was the KLF-Getz Pharma Book Prize, a recognition that celebrates outstanding literary contributions. This year’s awards honored remarkable works across three categories:

• English Fiction: Ferdowsnama by Shandana Minhas
• Urdu Prose: Namak ki Betiyan by Naseer Soomro
• Urdu Poetry: Aahang by Dilawar Ali Aazar

The event was held at Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi from February 6 to 8, 2026. The festival provided a dynamic environment of dialogue, learning, and discovery. Attendees immersed themselves in thought-provoking sessions that reflected the importance of literature and the arts in shaping the way communities think, feel, and evolve.