he 11th Lyallpur Art and Literature Festival at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, was a vibrant celebration of art, literature, music, debate and innovation, bringing together students, artists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs from across Pakistan.

The festival reflected the growing role of universities in promoting intellectual diversity, creative expression and youth empowerment.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that art and literature were powerful mediums for bringing beauty to the world and framing the realities of life. He said that art and literature were the heartbeat of human civilization. These, he said, were not merely a source of entertainment but also the devices to cultivate empathy and enable people to understand the experiences and struggles of others.

He described the festival as an excellent platform for promoting creativity and intellectual growth among the youth. He said that art and literature had a vital role in enriching human thought through creative expression, fostering intellectual development, promoting social harmony and preserving heritage.

He said the UAF, one of Pakistan’s largest and most prestigious agricultural institutions, organises the annual festival to provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents in the fields of art, culture and literature.

He said that the festival not only encouraged creative expression among students but also contributed to their character building and intellectual development.

Dr Shaukat Ali, organiser of the festival and a senior tutor at the UAF, said that art and literature helped people express their thoughts, emotions and ideas in creative ways. He said that such festivals played a vital role in inspiring creativity among the participants, fostering intellectual growth and providing opportunities for artistic expression. They also provided a platform to celebrate diverse ideas and perspectives.

The first day of the festival featured Qirat and Naat competitions, a parliamentary debating championship, the Virsa Music Fest, Sukhan 26 and an Alumni Mushaira.

The second day’s events included sessions on Transforming Pakistan, a summit, speech contests, Punjabi Takra, Business Ideas competitions and a National Freelancing Championship.

The third day featured War of Minds, a quiz competition and the Alumni Sufi Night. The fourth and final day concluded with Character Portrait, Agri Media Fest and Radio Buzz competitions.

Besides art and literature, the Business Ideas Competition attracted the most students.

Ahmad Mujtaba of MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, secured the first position in the competition with his artificial intelligence-based business idea Sonex AI. Muhammad Shiraz and Abdul Bari from the same university, were joint second position for their business concept, Codeost.

The competition provided a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to present innovative business ideas. Judges of the competition said such initiatives encouraged young innovators to think beyond conventional career paths.

Dr Shaukat Ali said that innovative businesses play a key role in strengthening the economy by creating jobs, promoting innovation and improving communities. He said such events provide valuable opportunities for sharing entrepreneurial ideas, establishing collaborations and discovering new approaches to problem-solving.

“As a university, we believe in education that extends beyond the classroom,” he said. “We want our students to gain real-world exposure, develop practical skills and connect with industry leaders.”

The Alumni Mushaira was a vibrant celebration of poetry and cultural heritage. It was organised by the Society of Agricultural Writers. The event brought together poets and literature enthusiasts.

QISSAH-26 took the audience on a captivating journey into the world of storytelling. It featured compelling narratives that blurred the lines between imagination and reality.

The Virsa Music Fest was a mesmerising celebration of cultural rhythms and melodic excellence. The atmosphere was electrifying as participants showcased the rich musical heritage of various regions of the country.

Another major attraction of LALF 2026 was the National Youth Summit 2.0, a platform for youth empowerment and leadership development. Young leaders from across the country gathered here to exchange ideas and perspectives aimed at driving positive change. Every keynote address, discussion and transformative moment reflected the participants’ vision, ambition and determination to shape the future.

The summit also featured a range of futuristic business ideas, with participants presenting well-structured concepts that reflected clarity, feasibility and critical insight. Thoughtful questions from the audience enriched the discussions.

The All Pakistan Parliamentary Debates Competition at LALF 2026 stood out as a remarkable showcase of intellectual rigor and oratory. Some of the country’s finest debaters took the stage, delivering compelling arguments and sharp rebuttals. Intense debate and strategic exchanges during the contests were met with enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.

A large number of literature enthusiasts also visited the university. The participants observed that literature enables people to explore and understand the world through new perspectives and ways of thinking. They said that the modern world required innovative and creative minds capable of driving meaningful change. They praised the University for organising the festival that not only nurtures talent but also offers students a refreshing break from routine.

The guests said that events such as the Business Ideas Compitition helped young entrepreneurs and students share business ideas, build partnership and explore innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Students participating in the festival said that the UAF organises literary and cultural activities throughout the year, but the Lyallpur Art and Literature Festival is a signature event they is eagerly awaited.

A female student said that art and literature beautify the world and present the realities of life in meaningful ways. She said that art and literature were the heartbeat of human civilisation, promoting empathy and enabling people to understand the struggles and experiences of others.

The four-day festival left behind a strong message about the importance of art, literature and innovation.

The participants and organisers alike expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to inspire future generations to embrace creativity, preserve cultural heritage and contribute to knowledge, dialogue and innovation.

The writer has been associated with journalism for the past decade. He tweets @naeemahmad876