FAISALABAD June 4: 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. It was stated by University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali while addressing the inaugural session of four-day 11th Lyallpur Art & Literature Festival 2026, bringing together students, scholars, and artists from across the country to celebrate creativity, culture, and intellectual engagement. It is arranged by the Senior Tutor Office in which educational institutions across the country are participating. He was flanked with 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. He 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 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.