Islamabad, Feb 21: The 13th Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) has officially begun at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, bringing together a distinguished gathering of literary and artistic minds for a three-day celebration of literature, history, and civilisation.
The event, known for its rich intellectual discourse and cultural vibrancy, was inaugurated in the presence of LLF Chairman Iqbal Z. Ahmed, LLF CEO Razi Ahmed, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari, British Council Director James Hampson, UNESCO Officer-in-Charge in Pakistan Karahang Anthony Tom, and Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, among others.
A significant highlight of the festival’s opening ceremony was the honouring of LLF CEO Razi Ahmed with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ award from France for his exceptional contributions to arts and cultural exchange. The announcement by Iqbal Z. Ahmed was met with resounding applause, recognising Razi Ahmed’s role in elevating LLF to an internationally acclaimed literary platform.
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The ceremony opened on a patriotic note with a soul-stirring rendition of the national anthem by a student from the Alhamra Academy of Arts. In his address, Razi Ahmed expressed gratitude to the national and international delegates whose support has helped LLF thrive as a premier literary event.
Alongside British Council Director James Hampson, he presented the ‘Lok Dastan Prize 2025’ to this year’s winners. Additionally, renowned scholar Rashid Ahmed and esteemed writer Ikramullah were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their remarkable contributions to literature and scholarship.
Speaking about the festival’s significance, Razi Ahmed described LLF as a celebration of literature, culture, and the transformative power of ideas, highlighting its role in bringing together voices from across the globe to foster dialogue and intellectual enrichment. Alhamra’s Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi praised the dedication of the Alhamra team, attributing the festival’s success to their unwavering commitment in creating a space where art and literature flourish.
With over 150 national and international delegates in attendance, LLF 2025 offers an engaging lineup of 60 sessions, covering diverse topics from literature and history to sociology and the arts. Over the next three days, participants will embark on an intellectual journey, exploring the cultural heritage and ideas that have shaped civilisations for centuries. As a beacon of cultural dialogue and artistic expression, the Lahore Literary Festival continues to inspire and shape the future of literary and artistic discourse.
