Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Dosti Peshawar Women Literature Festival, now in its third edition, was successfully held on,Monday hereat Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar (SBBWUP).
The festival brought together celebrated poetesses, authors, and literature enthusiasts, creating a vibrant platform for inspiration, creativity, and women’s empowerment through literature and cultural exchange.
The inaugural ceremony began with a tree plantation, followed by a recitation and the national anthem.
Professor Dr. Safia Ahmad (T.I.), Vice Chancellor of SBBWUP, delivered the welcome address and extended a warm reception to the Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen, Vice Chancellor of Women University Swabi.
In her address, Dr. Safia emphasized the pivotal role of women in literature and the need to promote gender equality in intellectual and creative fields.
She expressed pride in SBBWUP for hosting the region’s first-ever women’s literature festival, now evolved into one of the university’s flagship events.
Keynote sessions featured Syed Asad Qadri, Team Lead of the Humanitarian Project at SRSP, who spoke on the role of women in collective empowerment and leadership.
A literary talk on “Muskae Ukhkay” by Dr. Roshan Kaleem engaged the audience, moderated by Dr. Sumaira Gul. The event also included cultural performances by students, adding color and vibrancy to the festival.
Noman Bashir, Director at TDAP, highlighted the importance of literary gatherings in fostering cultural identity and intellectual growth.
A tribute ceremony was held to honor women from diverse districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
The festival concluded with a shield and souvenir distribution, a group photo session, and a refreshment and networking gathering, offering participants an opportunity to connect and collaborate.
Expressing her gratitude, Prof. Dr. Safia Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of SBBWUP, commended the efforts of the organizing team Dr. Hamida Bibi, Sania Siraj, Tashfeen Zia, Dr. Sumaira Gul, and Dr. Zarmina Baloch, for their dedication and commitment in curating an event that celebrates women’s literary and cultural achievements.
She noted that the festival’s outreach to various chapters across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects the university’s ongoing mission to advance women’s empowerment, literary excellence, and cultural dialogue.
