The three-day Pakistan English Conference 2025 (PEC 2025) on the theme “Reimagining English Studies in the Global South” opened at Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Wednesday. Hosted by the Institute of English Language and Literature, the conference brings together more than 250 paper presenters from over 50 universities across Pakistan.

Vice Chancellor, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak chaired the inaugural session of the conference, which was also addressed by Institute of English Language and Literature Director Prof. Dr Sajjad Ali Khan, Renowned writer, actor, and director Prof. Naveed Shahzad and Conference Convener Dr Muhammad Abdullah.

In his keynote address on “Doing Theory and Dialogizing Aesthetics: Re-visioning Classical Theory and Multiculturalism,” Prof. Dr Nasir Jamal Khattak reflected on the role of theory and postcolonialism in Pakistani English studies. He noted that many students feel uneasy with theory and emphasised the need to engage more carefully with key terms such as “postcolonialism” and how they are used in different contexts. He discussed how important it is for scholars to be mindful of the historical and cultural backgrounds behind such concepts and to relate them to their own teaching and research. Prof. Khattak stressed that attentive listening to diverse voices and contexts can enrich the study of literature, theory and multiculturalism, and help students develop stronger critical and analytical skills.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Dr Sajjad Ali Khan said that PEC 2025 has been conceived as a major national platform for scholarly exchange on English studies in the Global South, connecting literature, linguistics, pedagogy, media, and cultural studies. He noted that such conversations are essential for strengthening intellectual linkages among institutions and for relating classroom practices to local histories and multilingual realities.

Renowned writer, actor, and director Prof. Naveed Shahzad said that the role of literature is not merely to narrate pain, but to give voice to the silent suffering that often goes unheard.

Dr Muhammad Abdullah informed participants that the academic conversations over the three days would be carefully documented and that selected papers would be developed into an edited volume, so that the debates at PEC 2025 can contribute to future curriculum development and policy dialogue in English studies.