Lahore 2018

The Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest 2018 opened with a memorable night of qawwali in the historic courtyard of Lahore’s Wazir Khan Mosque, reviving a space once used for such gatherings. This majestic setting set the tone for two days of discussion and debate. Dr Umar Saif and festival founder Dr Yaqoob Khan Bangash opened the event by highlighting the need for open, progressive, and inclusive spaces for Pakistan’s youth. Nobel Peace Laureate Tawakkol Karman delivered the first keynote, calling for democracy, rule of law, and tolerance as the only guarantees against dictatorship and terrorism, while the Rt. Hon. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi delivered the second keynote, urging self-reflection, interfaith dialogue, and accountability in politics.

Over 35 panels and sessions followed, drawing more than 16,000 participants from across Pakistan. The festival explored politics, religion, culture, and identity, while also featuring an exhibition of modern Pakistani art, a global film festival, and informal discussions at Speakers’ Corner. With its rich blend of ideas and culture, ThinkFest 2018 concluded with a call to expand such spaces beyond Lahore, ensuring young Pakistanis have opportunities to engage, question, and learn in safe, creative environments.