PESHAWAR – The third edition of the Peshawar Literary Festival concluded here on Wednesday at Nishtar Hall after two days filled with literary, intellectual and cultural activities, attracting a large number of students, young professionals, writers and artists. Organised by the Culture, Literature and Development Organisation (CLADO) in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs, the festival served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, creativity and skill development. The event featured panel discussions, open mic sessions, children’s activities, and specialised training workshops on content creation, photography and animation. Key discussions focused on themes such as “Youth, Women and the Future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” as well as important fiscal issues including the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the province’s financial challenges. Speakers emphasized the need for greater youth participation in shaping the socio-economic future of the province. The evenings of the festival were marked by rich cultural performances, including musical presentations by Nasaz Band, Ejaz Sarhadi and folk singer Fayaz Khan Kheshgi, alongside a grand mushaira that celebrated the region’s poetic heritage. The second day of the festival highlighted issues related to education, employment, and the future of young people. Discussions covered the education system, demographic changes, and the growing importance of literature in intellectual development. Participants were also provided training in modern skills such as digital marketing, freelancing, e-commerce, content creation and data management. The festival concluded with a colourful cultural ceremony titled “Youth, Skills and Tradition,” featuring poetry, music and cultural performances that showcased the creative talent and cultural richness of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s youth.