Art and literature open up new avenue of critical thinking: Dr Zulfiqar

Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that art and literature beautify the world and open up new avenue of critical thinking, unwrap the realities of life and serve as vital tools for cognitive development, social cohesion, and historical preservation

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th May, 2026) Vice Chancellor (VC) University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that art and literature beautify the world and open up new avenue of critical thinking, unwrap the realities of life and serve as vital tools for cognitive development, social cohesion, and historical preservation.

He was addressing the inaugural session of four-day 11th Lyallpur Art & Literature Festival 2026 which brought together students, scholars, and artists from across the country to celebrate creativity, culture, and intellectual engagement.

Senior Tutor Office UAF arranged the festival in which educational institutions across the country are participating.

Dean Agriculture Dr Ghulam Murtaza, Senior Tutor Dr Shoukat Ali, Registrar Dr Asif Kamran, Treasurer Zeesahn Ishfaq Bukhary, Director business Incubation Center Dr Hammad Baddar, Director Farms Dr Muhammad Aslam, Dr Ijaz Saleem, Principal Officer Jahanzeb Tariq, Director Student Affair Dr Nadeem Abbas, Principal Officer Estate Management Dr Nadeem Akbar, Chief Hall Warden Dr Humaira Razzaq and others were also present on the occasion.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that art and literature work as the heartbeat of human civilization, offering much more than mere decoration or entertainment.

At a fundamental level, it fosters deep empathy by allowing individuals to inhabit the experiences, struggles from vastly different backgrounds and develop critical thinking, he added.

He said that that the festival reflects our commitment to promoting cultural diversity, creativity, and intellectual growth among youth, providing a vibrant platform for talent from across Pakistan.

On Monday, multiple events took place simultaneously including Qiraat and Naat Competition, All Pakistan Parliamentary Championship, Virsa Music Fest, SUKHAN 26, and Rotaract Leadership Competition and Alumni Mushaira.

On Tuesday, the National Summit “Transforming Pakistan 2.0”, All Pakistan Bilingual Declamation and Punjabi Natara Competition, the All Pakistan Parliamentary Championship, Business Ideas Competition, and National Freelancing Championship will be held.

On Wednesday, War of Minds, Quiz Competition, National Freelancing Championship QISSAH-26 and Alumni Sufi Night will be held.

On Thursday, Character Portrayal Competition will take place following Agri Media Fest, and Radio Buzz, UAF spokesman said here on Monday.