Sunday, 29th November, 2026 • 10:00 – 17:00 PKT • Northern University (NU)

ICLLDE

International Conference on Linguistics and Literature in the Digital Era

Conference Theme: Language, Literature and Global Understanding
Submit Abstract (PKR 1500) Call for Papers (CFP) Track Paper
Rector NU
Patron in Chief
Rector, NU
Dr. Mohsin Raza
Pro Rector NU
Patron
Pro Rector, NU
Mr. Taha Sawar
Dean FASS
Conf. Chair
Dean FASS
Dr. M. Naeemullah
Registrar NU
Co-Chair
Registrar, NU
Dr. S. Tahir Ali Shah
Dr. Shumaila Malik
Core Member
Dr. Shumaila Malik
Controller of Examinations
Dr. Iftikhar Alam
Convener
Dr. Iftikhar Alam
Conference Convener
11
Sub-Themes
HEC
Recognized Journal Publication
Conference Philosophy & Introduction

Language at the Crossroads of
Art, Science & Technology

The Dual Nature of Language in the 21st Century

Language has always stood at the crossroads of human activity and systematic inquiry. On one side lies the art of language – its power to move, persuade, and imagine: its poetry, its rhetoric, storytelling, and the subtle textures of style and voice. On the other side lies the science of language – the rigorous study of structure, cognition, acquisition, variation, and change: formal models, experimental methodologies, and computational systems that investigate how language works.
In our own century, this dual nature of language has acquired new urgency. The relentless pace of digital life, constant connectivity, information overload, and the fragmentation of attention have left almost all of us anxious, restless, and inwardly unsettled. Amid this loss of calm and composure, literature continues to offer us a quiet yet profound remedy.
The careful arrangement of words, the measured unfolding of narrative, and the contemplative space of poetry and prose invite us to slow down, to listen inward, and to recover presence and equilibrium.
Fostering Empathy Across Divides: Literature gives form to shared human experiences, renders perspectives of others intelligible, and dissolves rigid boundaries of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Stories and poems humanize adversaries, illuminate common ground, and create conditions for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.
Dr. Iftikhar Alam
Conference Convener

Dr. Iftikhar Alam

Head of Department, English

iftikhar.alam@northern.edu.pk

The conference brings together voices from linguistics, literature, cognitive science, computational language research, and peace & conflict studies. Our shared purpose is to explore how language—artistic and scientific—can respond to the urgent needs of the digital present.

Key Deadlines & Parameters

  • Abstract Deadline (250 words): 5th October, 2026
  • Abstract Submission Fee: PKR 1500/-
  • Paper Deadline (4000-5000 words): 22nd October, 2026
  • Conference Date: Sunday, 29th November, 2026

Conference Objectives

01

To examine the transformative impact of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity on linguistics, literature, translation, language education, literary production, and contemporary scholarly research.

02

To investigate the role of literature in helping individuals regain calm and composure amid pressure of digital acceleration, information overload, and attention fragmentation.

03

To examine the contribution of literature and narrative in creating conditions (by fostering empathy and mutual understanding) for constructive dialogue across cultural and national divides.

04

To bring together scholars, writers, linguists, and practitioners from diverse fields to promote interdisciplinary dialogue on the challenges and opportunities language offers in the modern world.

05

To inspire participants to develop new theoretical insights, creative practices, and collaborative approaches that harness the full potential of language for personal well – being, intercultural understanding and the advancement of peace.

Conference Theme & 11 Sub-Themes

Main Theme: Language, Literature and Global Understanding

Digital Linguistics/Literature, AI & Global Connectivity

Urdu Language and Literature

Regional Languages and Literature

Peace and Conflict Studies

Applied Linguistics

Translation Studies

Gulf Literature

Comparative Literature

South Asian Literature

Western Literature

Feminist Studies

Distinguished Voices

Keynote Speakers

Eminent national and international scholars leading discourse in linguistics, literature, and global understanding

Dr. Hussain Ahmad
🇨🇦 International Keynote Speaker

Dr. Hussain Ahmad

Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada

Renowned scholar invited to address the plenary session on computational language paradigms, digital literature, and global academic connectivity.

DM
🌐 International Keynote Speaker

Dr. Maeed

Distinguished International Keynote Scholar

Renowned international scholar invited to share critical research and global perspectives on literary discourse and language in the digital era.

National Keynote Speakers

Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak
Distinguished National Keynote

Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak

Vice Chancellor

University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK)

Eminent academic leader and critical humanities scholar in literature and linguistic inquiry.

RS
Distinguished National Keynote

Prof. Dr. Rubina Shaheen

Pro Vice Chancellor

University of Peshawar

Distinguished scholar and academic leader contributing to research in literature, cultural studies, and linguistics.

Prof. Dr. Wasima Shehzad
Distinguished National Keynote

Prof. Dr. Wasima Shehzad

Former Chairperson, Faculty of Social Sciences

Air University (AU), Islamabad

profwasima@gmail.com
Conference Program

Sunday, 29th November, 2026
Event Timeline (10:00 – 17:00)

10:00 – 10:30

Registration

Delegate check-in.

10:30 – 11:30

Inaugural Ceremony & Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by the Patron in Chief (Rector, NU), Pro Rector, and Conference Convener Dr. Iftikhar Alam; Details of Day Break with the audience.

11:30 – 12:45

Talk by Keynote Speakers

Plenary addresses by distinguished international and national keynote speakers.

12:45 – 13:00

Shields Distribution among Keynote Speakers and Guests

Honoring distinguished keynote speakers and VIP guests with commemorative shields.

13:00 – 13:15

Thank you Note by the Patron in Chief (Rector, NU)

Official presidential appreciation address concluding the morning plenary session.

13:15 – 14:15

Refreshment & Seeing Off Keynote Speakers and Guests

Executive luncheon and tea break; Protocol Committee oversees seeing off distinguished guests.

14:15 – 16:15

Parallel Panel Discussions & Paper Presentations

7 Panels

Simultaneous sessions across 3 Linguistics Panels, 2 Literature Panels, 1 Feminist Studies Panel, and 1 Urdu Panel.

16:15 – 17:00

Closing Ceremony

Certificate distribution among participants, presenters, and organizing committee members.

Evaluation & Assessment Matrix

7 Conference Evaluation Panels

Panels constitution for evaluation of papers on Conference Day (Sunday, 29th November, 2026).

Panel-1 (Linguistics)

Track 1
  • Chair: Dr. Iftikhar Alam
  • Member: Mr. Khalid Zaman

Panel-2 (Linguistics)

Track 2
  • Chair: Dr. Muhammad Asif Gul
  • Member: Ms. Yusra Mukhtar

Panel-3 (Linguistics)

Track 3
  • Chair: Dr. Muhammad Khan
  • Member: Dr. Abdul Qayyum

Panel-4 (Literature)

Track 4
  • Chair: Dr. Muhammad Nawaz
  • Member: Mr. Ikram ul Haq

Panel-5 (Feminist Studies)

Track 5
  • Chair: Dr. Nida Masroor
  • Member: Dr. Shakeel ur Rehman

Panel-6 (Literature)

Track 6
  • Chair: Dr. Saeed ur Rehman
  • Member: Mr. Maratab Ali

Panel-7 (Urdu Language & Literature)

Track 7
  • Chair: Dr. Syed Tahir Ali Shah
  • Member: Dr. Nazar Abid

Dedicated evaluation panel for classical and contemporary Urdu language, literature, and regional textuality research papers.

Submission Portal & Guidelines

Ready to Submit Your Abstract?

Submit your 250-word abstract online. Please note that abstract submission is allowed only after payment of the submission fee (PKR 1500/-). Separate fee is required for each submission. Only Microsoft Word files are accepted.

PKR 1500/- Submission Fee per Abstract
MS Word Only .doc or .docx file format
HEC Processing Journal publication track
Submit Abstract Now → View Author Guidelines
£

Fee Payment Details

Deposit PKR 1500/- and upload deposit slip / transaction ID with your submission.

Account: Northern University Conference
Amount: PKR 1500 / Abstract
Deadline: 05 October, 2026
Already submitted? Track your abstract status →
Already submitted? Track your abstract status →
Host Campus

Conference Venue & Facilities

Northern University Main Auditorium

Northern University (NU) provides world-class academic infrastructure equipped with modern multimedia, high-definition LED displays, and specialized session rooms for simultaneous panel deliberations.

  • Main University Auditorium (State-of-the-art Sound & Lighting)
  • Two High-Definition LED Display Systems for Plenary Presentations
  • 7 Dedicated Evaluation Panel Rooms for Parallel Sessions
  • VIP Protocol Lounge, Executive Refreshments & Delegate Dining

Location & Access

Campus Address

Northern University, Nowshera / Peshawar Region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Reception & Protocol

Protocol Committee members will be stationed at the arrival terminal to welcome invited speakers and guests.

Convener Secretariat

Dr. Iftikhar Alam • Email: iftikhar.alam@northern.edu.pk

Conference Secretariat

Get in Touch

Have questions about ICLLDE? Reach out to the Conference Organizing Committee.