Pakistan to host 8th ThinkFest with global icons, cultural focus

Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city, is set to host the 8th annual Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest on January 11-12, 2025, at Alhamra Arts Centre. The event is free and open to the public, offering a packed program of discussions, panels, and cultural celebrations.

Najam Sethi, chairman of the festival, highlighted the diversity of the program. “We have yet again brought a great program for all of Lahore and beyond. There are, of course, some topics missing, but we have tried to pack a lot into two days,” he said.

This year’s ThinkFest will feature renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated for her films Salaam Bombay!, The Namesake, and Monsoon Wedding. She will join acclaimed author Mohsin Hamid for a panel discussion about their creative collaborations. On the second day, Nair will participate in a panel on South Asian cinema with Fifi Haroon, Saim Sadiq, and Ahad Raza Mir.

The festival will also launch over 12 books and spotlight Punjabi culture. Highlights include a book on Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, a discussion on Punjab’s history featuring Jugnu Mohsin and Mushtaq Soofi, and a celebration of Lohri, the Punjabi winter festival.

Najam Sethi, chairman of Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest, set to take place in Lahore, Pakistan.ThinkFestPK/X

Policy discussions will address critical national issues. Rashid Langrial, chairman of Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue, and former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail will discuss taxation, while Oxford professor Stefan Dercon will join Finance Secretary Imdad Bosal and Ismail to analyze Pakistan’s development.

Political topics will take center stage with former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and journalist Mohammad Malick exploring, “Why is Pakistan Always in a Political Crisis?” Another panel will address polarization with contributions from Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar, and journalist Mustafa Khokhar.

The amendment which irked controversy - A panel Discussion. ThinkFestPK/X

Legal experts, including Salman Akram Raja, will dissect the 26th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution in a session exploring its implications.

International themes will include discussions on the Middle East’s Two-State solution led by Professor Mamdani and insights into U.S. foreign policy with Hina Rabbani Khar, Moeed Yusuf, and Ejaz Haider analyzing Donald Trump’s global priorities.

Veteran journalist Leila Hatoum will offer firsthand insights from Lebanon.

The ThinkFest promises to be a vibrant platform for intellectual and cultural exchange, bringing together renowned local and international voices.