Report: ANI :
ABBOTTABAD — The first day of the fourth Abbottabad Literature Festival 2026 featured special sessions on journalism, literature, drama and culture, with renowned journalist and analyst Wusatullah Khan, journalist and anchor Sabookh Syed, playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed, and Waqas Niazi, grandson of legendary folk artist Tufail Niazi, participating in the event.
The opening session focused on “Between Facts and Fury: Journalism in a Divided Digital Age.” Wusatullah Khan highlighted the growing importance of accuracy, verification and journalistic responsibility in the digital era, where information is transmitted at unprecedented speed.
The session was hosted by Shamaila Bibi, Head of the Urdu Department at Modern Age Boys Campus, while journalist and anchor Sabookh Syed moderated the conversation with Wusatullah Khan. Abbottabad Press Club President Sardar Naveed Alam chaired the session.
During the discussion, the speakers examined the growing influence of digital media, social polarisation, widening intellectual divisions and the evolving role of journalists. Wusatullah Khan responded to questions in light of his extensive experience in journalism.
The second session featured renowned playwright Asghar Nadeem Syed, who spoke in detail about the art of storytelling and various aspects of dramatic writing, including story structure, character development, dialogue, emotional depth, conflict and effective narrative.
At the beginning of the session, students of Modern Age performed an Urdu play, “Adam Te Ragsagish,” written by Abdul Waheed Mir. The performance was appreciated by the participants for its creative and artistic presentation.
The festival concluded with a special cultural evening titled “An Evening with Waqas Niazi.” Waqas Niazi, grandson of legendary folk artist Tufail Niazi, shared memories of his grandfather and highlighted his contribution to folk music and Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Waqas Niazi said folk music was an important part of a society’s cultural identity and stressed the need to preserve traditional art forms for the intellectual and cultural development of future generations.
The speakers underscored the importance of promoting literature, journalism, drama, music and cultural activities through such platforms. The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts to the distinguished guests, followed by a group photograph.
