Recently, the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) found itself in the eye of a gnarly storm. Social media users from all over Pakistan were riled up due to the inclusion of Germany-based author Ronya Othmann. The author was highlighted to have Zionist affiliations, with her support for Israel being shared all over various social media platforms.
As a consequence, The Feminist Collective, a leftist feminist group, penned an open letter protesting the inclusion. Othmann’s name has since been quietly removed from the list of speakers on the website, with speculation circulating regarding the cancellation of the relevant sessions.
The Express Tribune reached out to Raheela Baqai, (Organiser, Karachi and Islamabad Literature Festivals) to further examine the ordeal, and receive clarity about the situation.
Confirming that Othmann’s sessions have indeed been cancelled, Baqai stated, “Yes. Ronya Othmann will no longer attend KLF, and her sessions have been cancelled.” When queried whether or not the cancellation had anything to do with the social media uproar surrounding Othmann’s inclusion, Baqai simply shared, “Last-minute cancellations may occur for a variety of reasons and we do not disclose the details.”
Given that many were upset about the invitation, questions began circulating about the Festival’s selection process. Answering the same, Baqai offered, “Speakers are nominated and selected for KLF based purely on their literary work as well as the contribution they can make to the Festival.”
Furthermore, when asked for a statement, Baqai said, “This year’s KLF – as in previous years – is an intellectual space for everyone to come together and take part in conversations that inspire positive change. This year, the theme is ‘sustainability: words changing mindsets’, and there will be opportunities for attendees to engage with interesting speakers as well as discussions that foster a love of learning, and spark curiosity.”
In addition to this, a ticker can be seen running on KLF’s website, stating, “We have been informed that Ronya Othmann is unable to attend KLF, and her sessions have, therefore, been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Othmann, who has faced criticism for her statements, particularly those deemed anti-Islam and anti-Palestine. received invitations for two presentations, the initial one scheduled for February 17, and the subsequent event on February 18. The Feminist Collective highlighted how, during a panel by German newspaper TAZ, Othmann alleged Muslim immigrants, including Palestinians, to be “jihadists” and “terrorists” for supporting Palestinian resistance.
Othmann also targeted individuals like German-Palestinian journalist Alena Jabarine and criticised the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, claiming it lacked political legitimacy. The author’s tweets (among other similar acts) on X – formerly Twitter – further perpetuated divisive narratives, likening support for Palestinian resistance to anti-Semitism.
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