Lahore Literary Festival 2025 Kicks Off with a Grand Celebration
The 13th edition of the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) commenced on February 21 at the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, marking the start of a vibrant three-day celebration of literature, arts, history, and civilization.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including LLF Chairman Iqbal Z. Ahmed, LLF CEO and Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed, Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari, British Council Director James Hampson, UNESCO officer in charge in Pakistan Karahang Anthony Tom, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Nicolas Gely, and Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, among others.
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France Honors LLF CEO Razi Ahmed
A key highlight of the event was the special recognition of LLF CEO Razi Ahmed, who was awarded France’s prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his remarkable contributions to arts and cultural exchange. The announcement by Chairman LLF Iqbal Z. Ahmed was met with thunderous applause, celebrating Mr. Ahmed’s dedication to promoting literary and artistic endeavors on a global scale.
The festival began on a patriotic note with a stirring rendition of the national anthem performed by a talented student from the Alhamra Academy of Arts.
Honoring Literary Excellence
Mr. Razi Ahmed expressed heartfelt gratitude to national and international delegates whose support has made the festival a landmark event.
Alongside British Council Director James Hampson, he presented Lok Dastan Prize 2025 awards and honored noted scholar Rashid Ahmed and celebrated writer Ikramullah with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their extraordinary contributions to literature and scholarship.
A Platform for Intellectual Dialogue
Chairman Alhamra and CEO LLF Razi Ahmed emphasized that the 13th edition of LLF is a celebration of literature, culture, and the power of ideas, uniting voices from around the world to foster dialogue and enrich minds.
Alhamra’s Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi lauded the entire Alhamra team, acknowledging their dedication in making the festival a reality.
“The success of this festival is a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of the Alhamra team. Their efforts have created a platform where art and literature converge to celebrate centuries of civilization,” he remarked.
An Exciting Lineup Awaits
With over 150 national and international delegates in attendance, LLF 2025 promises an immersive experience featuring 60 thought-provoking sessions covering a diverse range of topics, including arts, literature, history, and sociology.
Over the next three days, attendees will embark on an intellectual journey, delving into the rich cultural heritage that has shaped civilizations for centuries.
The Lahore Literary Festival continues to be a beacon of cultural dialogue and creative expression, setting the stage for inspiring discussions and future artistic endeavors.
