About
The Peshawar Literary Festival (PLF) is a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and the enduring power of storytelling. Rooted in the ancient city of Peshawar—a crossroads of civilizations and a cradle of South Asia’s literary heritage—the festival reimagines the role of words in shaping societies, bridging divides, and reclaiming narratives silenced by time and turmoil.
At PLF, we believe literature is more than art; it is a mirror to humanity’s triumphs, struggles, and dreams. In a world where tradition, politics, and displacement often stifle voices, we create a sanctuary for free expression. Our festival is a rebellion against silence—a space where poets, writers, thinkers, and artists gather to ignite critical thinking, nurture creativity, and spark conversations that transcend borders.
Our Team
Haris Shinwari
Haris Shinwari is a poet, writer, and a development practitioner who believes in the power of words and action. With a Master’s in English Literature, he navigates the intersection of storytelling, democracy, and social change. He is the lead of Localizing the Democracy, working to bring democratic values to the grassroots, ensuring that every voice matters. His passion for literature and civic engagement has led him to organize cultural and literary gatherings, including the Peshawar Literary Festival. With experience working alongside national and international organizations, he bridges local narratives with global conversations, encouraging spaces where ideas flourish and communities connect.
Abru
Abru holds masters degree in English literature and linguistics. Over the past five years, she has honed her skills in project design, stakeholder engagement, and communication across various sectors. She has led teams, spearheaded events, and crafted compelling social media strategies that have demonstrably increased engagement and project reach.
Whether it’s amplifying the voices of youth or promoting citizen rights, she finds immense satisfaction in contributing to initiatives that empower communities and foster positive change.
Sajid Khan
Sajid Khan is a poet, writer, and social activist from Khyber district. As a Medical Technician at Medicines Sans Frontiers, he combines his passion for healthcare with his love of words. Through his writing and community work, Sajid advocates for peace, social justice, and mental wellness, inspiring positive change in his community.
Shahab ud din
Shahab is a development enthusiast and social change advocate with a degree in Social Sciences. His areas of expertise include peacebuilding, interfaith harmony, youth development, and climate action. With a strong passion for the arts, Shahab believes in harnessing the power of creative expression to drive positive change.
A lover of music, art, and literature, Shahab finds inspiration in the works of creatives who challenge societal norms and push boundaries. As a team leader, digital advocate, and communications expert, Shahab brings a unique set of skills to the table. He is excited to be a part of the Peshawar Literary Festival team and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Peshawar.
Adil Yousaf
Adil Yousaf is a lecturer in International Relations. Since February 2018, he has been part of several plays as an actor and a playwright. These plays have been performed at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), The Black Hole, the Alhamra Art Council, and the Rafi Peer Theatre. Furthermore, he has co-founded the Peshawar Literary Festival, where he organizes theatre workshops for students. His previous year’s projects included performing at the Oxford Islamabad Literature Festival, Maeterlink’s The Blind, and Jean Annouile’s Antigone. He has recently adapted Feydeau’s “Now You See It”. Besides theatre, he also writes screenplays, songs, prose, and poetry in Pashto, Urdu, and English. His writings have been published in the Daily Times, Stimson Centre, and Laaltain.
Muhammad Wahaj
A doctor by trade and a bibliophile at heart. My journey weaves through the worlds of science and literature. At the Peshawar Literary Festival, I bring a passion for books, art, history, and the fascination they evoke. Literature is more than just stories, it’s the pulse of culture and civilization, the whisper of history, and the bridge from our collective past to our future. Here, at PLF, we celebrate the power of ideas and imagination, the elegance of expression, culture, and inclusivity, and the unyielding spirit of free voices and tolerance.
Muhammad Afzaal
An Academic with background in Peace building and Conflict Resolution, fond of reading, writing, traveling and exploring heritage sites.
Muhammad Anwar
Graduate of the Institute of Management Sciences, weaving logic and creativity into visual stories. Graphic design is my language—fluent in branding, digital campaigns, and turning chaos into compelling art. Let’s not just design, but ignite.
Visible fades. Impact lingers.
Alamgir Khan
Alamgir Khan, a social scientist from Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a passionate writer, poet, and activist. With a keen eye on socio-political dynamics, he freely expresses his thoughts on societal issues, advocating for change. His literary enthusiasm reflects in his poetry, where he blends intellect with emotion. A strong voice among young activists, he continues to inspire through his words and ideas.