8th Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest 2025 A Celebration of Thought and Culture

The Alhamra Arts Council, once alive with the sparks of mental and cultural brilliance, was the venue for the opening day of the eighth version of the Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest. This two-day pageant grew to become a dynamic hub the place thinkers, policymakers, environmentalists, and literary fans converged to alternate groundbreaking thoughts and discover new perspectives. A pleasant mixture of scholarly discussions, cultural celebrations, and revolutionary debates set the tone for this year’s thought-provoking gathering.

A Stellar Lineup of Intellectual Giants

At the core of the contest had been the luminaries who took the stage to share their understanding and mirror on a range of vital topics. Renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated writer Mohsin Hamid, diplomat Hina Rabbani Khar, economist Miftah Ismail, and policymaker Rashid Mahmood Langrial had been amongst the distinguished figures who graced the event, elevating it with their insights and expertise.

Cultural Celebration: Lohri and Beyond

Adding a cultural aptitude to the proceedings, the competition also featured an energetic social gathering of Lohri at the scenic Alhamra Gardens. This regular festivity infused the otherwise mental surroundings with joyous celebrations, presenting attendees an opportunity to unwind and join with the rich cultural heritage of the region. The juxtaposition of mental discourse and cultural traditions made the match honestly special, mixing the former with the existing in a seamless flow.

Power of Storytelling: Mira Nair and Mohsin Hamid in Conversation

One of the most anticipated sessions, entitled Still the Reluctant Fundamentalist was presented collectively by Mira Nair and Mohsin Hamid for a revealing conversation on the cultural and emotional significance of Hamid’s bestselling novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist. The session was moderated by Bilal Tanweer of LUMS, providing the audience with a rare view of the innovative process behind the novel’s film adaptation. Hamid shared his problematic journey of writing his story, dealing with issues of identity, conflict, and post-9/11 struggles, while Nair reflected on her personal connection to Lahore and the challenges of translating the essence of the story onto the screen.

Tribute to the Literary Legends: Bapsi Sidhwa

In each other enlightening session, educators and literary students came together to pay homage to the legacy of Bapsi Sidhwa, whose book The Ice-Candy Man remains a poignant exploration of pre-partition Lahore and its Parsi community. The conversation underlined the long-lasting relevance of Sidhwa’s work and how her stories continue to ring in contemporary Pakistan. Her deep influence on literature and cinema was remembered, with panellists underlining the importance of her contribution to the cultural discourse.

Analyzing Pakistan’s Political Landscape

8th Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest 2025 was dedicated to Pakistan’s political challenges, with renowned journalists and politicians enticing in an open dialogue about the country’s current political state. The session, hosted by Mehmal Sarfaraz, included the panellists such as Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Barrister Ali Zafar, and Malik Ahmad Khan. Together, they analyzed the urgent problems concerning Pakistan today: media censorship, societal polarization, and the developing impact of the establishment. The debate underscored the importance of a renewed political constitution and explored conceivable avenues for enhancing governance and advertising solidarity throughout the country.

Rethinking Economic Policies: A Debate on Taxation

A spirited debate on taxation policies of Pakistan, and its influence on the economy, took place between FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial and former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. A common area of interest towards equitable tax reforms emerged wherein the experts were agreed on the necessity of a more just mechanism as well as enhanced inter-governmental coordination to ensure that cost for the taxpayers. The dialog underscored the urgent need for structural reforms to stabilize Pakistan’s financial system and address emerging public discontent.

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