Archive · 8 Nov 2025
SAARC Literature Festival Opens in Delhi Without Pakistani Writers Due to Political Tensions
A big book party called the SAARC Literature Festival is happening in Delhi.
Writers and thinkers from South Asian countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are coming together to share stories and poems.
However, writers from Pakistan are not attending this time.
The organizers explained that this is because of disagreements between India and Pakistan related to politics and security.
Even though Pakistan isn't there, the festival still wants to celebrate friendship and shared culture.
It's like a way for countries to connect through art even when leaders might disagree.
The event will include talks, poetry readings, and award ceremonies for important literary figures.
The 66th SAARC Literature Festival is taking place in Delhi.
The festival will feature writers and scholars from seven of the eight SAARC nations, excluding Pakistan.
Pakistan's exclusion is attributed to ongoing political tensions and terrorism concerns, according to FOSWAL President Ajeet Cour.
The event aims to promote cultural exchange and shared humanity despite political divides.
The festival includes paper presentations, fiction readings, poetry sessions, and the presentation of SAARC Lifetime Achievement Awards.
- Who
- Writers, poets, artists, and scholars from seven SAARC nations (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India) and FOSWAL officials
- What
- The 66th SAARC Literature Festival, featuring discussions, readings, and awards, with Pakistan notably excluded
- When
- Opening on a Sunday and running for four days
- Where
- Academy of Fine Arts and Literature in Delhi
- Why
- To foster cultural dialogue and showcase South Asian literary voices, though Pakistan's participation is currently blocked due to political tensions and terrorism concerns.
FOSWAL's Stance
Festival's Intent
Reason for Pakistan's Exclusion
FOSWAL's Stance
Pakistan's participation is a political issue directly linked to terrorism and past attacks, preventing their invitation until terrorism stops.
Festival's Intent
The festival aims to heal where politics divides and reaffirm shared humanity and friendship across borders, highlighting the power of culture.
- Event Name
- 66th SAARC Literature Festival
- Location
- Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, Delhi
- Dates
- Opens Sunday, runs for four days
- Organizer
- Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL)
- Participating Nations
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India (7 out of 8 SAARC nations)
- Notable Absences
- Pakistan
- Key Figures Mentioned
- Ajeet Cour (FOSWAL President), Madhav Kaushik (Sahitya Akademi President), Ashis Nandy (Political Psychologist), Mahishini Colonne (Sri Lanka), Shankar Prasad Sharma (Nepal), M. Riaz Hamidullah (Bangladesh), Aishath Azeema (Maldives)