“Pakistan Mother Languages Literature Festival” is a flagship activity of ICF initiated in 2016. The first of its kind festival in 2016 brought together over 150 authors, artists and researchers together to celebrate rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Pakistan. Second festival was held in Islamabad on 18-19 February at Lok Virsa. The festival is arranged to mark the International Mother Languages Day on 21 February, declared by UNESCO.

The third edition of the festival promises even more features including launching of books, panel discussions, readings, poetry recitation, performance of music and other art forms in these languages. Separate exhibition of original books in these languages and their translated versions in Urdu and English will be arranged. This year more attention will be given to featuring the oral history and traditions of the languages where written word is not very well developed. It is estimated that the festival will feature at least 100 writers from 12 major Pakistani languages.

You can view the event report here.