The National Book Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association, staged a special literary session at the 39th annual five-day Lahore Book Fair running from 4 to 8 February at the Expo Centre in Johar Town, Lahore.
The second-day program, titled “Khushboo Ki Zuban Mein Bol Kabhi” (Speak in the Language of Fragrance), was held to honour women writers and was presided over by Salma Awan. Managing Director Dr Kamran Jahangir opened the session by highlighting the intellectual depth and contemporary relevance of women’s writing and its prominent place within Urdu literature.
Guest of honour Bilquis Riaz joined participants in acknowledging that women’s literature plays a vital role in shaping social awareness and enriching the diversity and intellectual breadth of Urdu letters. The event featured prose readings by Neelam Ahmad Bashir, Musarrat Kalanchoi, Itrat Batool Naqvi, Naveen Roma, Raqia Akbar and Saima Sabih, all of whom received warm applause from the audience.
Renowned poet Sania captivated attendees with a melodious recitation that added a lyrical dimension to the proceedings. Speakers Najeeb Jamal and Dr Ashfaq Ahmed Wark offered detailed appreciation of the creative and intellectual contributions made by the participating women writers, underlining how such work advances literary discourse at the Lahore Book Fair.
Kanwal Behzad ably conducted the proceedings and steered conversations throughout the session. Salma Awan, as president of the gathering, commended the National Book Foundation’s efforts in promoting literary activities and encouraging women writers, while Dr Kamran Jahangir presented books to attendees as tokens of appreciation. The programme was described by organisers and guests as a dignified and memorable addition to the Lahore Book Fair schedule.
