The festival will run until Sunday, February 19, where participants get to explore panel discussions, book launches and many other activities.

Over 200 speakers, including 10 international speakers from eight countries including Pakistan, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, and France, are slated in 60 sessions.

Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan, will deliver the opening remarks, which will be followed by speeches from Nicole Theriot, US Consul General Karachi, and Martin Dawson, Acting Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Karachi.

Federal minister for climate change Sherry Rehman is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech.

Moreover, Award-winning writers Damon Galgut and Shehan Karunatilaka will also be part of the Karachi Literature Festival for the first time.