The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) is back with its 13th edition, promising a spectacular lineup of intellectual discourse, artistic expression, and literary excellence. Taking place from February 21 to 23, 2025, at the Alhamra Arts Council, LLF 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated cultural events in South Asia.
With over 150 scholars, authors, historians, poets, artists, and thought leaders from around the world participating in more than 60 thought-provoking sessions, LLF 2025 is a must-attend event for literature enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone passionate about ideas that transcend borders.
A Grand Opening: Exploring Muslim Enlightened Thought
The festival will kick off with an inaugural session on February 21 at 2:30 PM in Alhamra Hall 1, titled “Muslim Enlightened Thought in South Asia.” This session will feature renowned historian Dr. Ayesha Jalal and distinguished academic Mary Richardson, setting the tone for in-depth discussions on historical narratives and contemporary intellectual movements in the Muslim world.
A Celebration of Literature, Culture, and Heritage
LLF 2025 offers an enriching program covering various topics, including:
✔️ Literature and Poetry – Engaging panel discussions, book launches, and poetry readings.
✔️ History and Heritage – Sessions on Mughal and Sikh art, South Asian history, and regional narratives.
✔️ Cinema and Media – Discussions with filmmakers and media scholars.
✔️ Architecture and Urbanism – Conversations on Lahore’s architectural heritage and future.
✔️ Global Affairs and Contemporary Issues – Insights from world-renowned journalists, historians, and analysts.
The Allah Bakhsh Gallery at Alhamra will also host an exclusive art exhibition, showcasing powerful visual narratives.
Beyond Alhamra, the festival will expand across Lahore’s cultural landmarks, reaffirming its status as Pakistan’s most significant intellectual and artistic gathering.
An Impressive Lineup of Global and Local Luminaries
LLF 2025 will welcome an extraordinary lineup of literary icons, historians, and media experts, including:
📖 Dr. Ayesha Jalal (Historian, USA)
📖 Diana Darke (Middle Eastern cultural heritage expert, UK)
📖 Susan Stronge (Scholar of Mughal and Sikh art, UK)
📖 Peter Frankopan (Acclaimed historian, UK)
📖 Jessica Bruder (Award-winning journalist and author, USA)
📖 Fatimah Asghar (Renowned poet and screenwriter, USA)
📖 David Wiegand (Celebrated German writer)
📖 Mishal Husain (Esteemed BBC journalist, UK)
📖 Ez El Hassan (Palestinian filmmaker and media scholar, Qatar)
📖 Sunila Jayawardena (Sri Lankan environmentalist)
📖 Luca M. Olivieri (Italian archaeologist, Swat Mission Director)
📖 Clemens Berger (Austrian playwright and columnist)
📖 Sofka Zinovieff (British journalist and author)
📖 Yasmeen Hameed and Iftikhar Arif (Icons of Pakistani literature)
This diverse roster highlights LLF’s commitment to fostering meaningful conversations that bridge cultural and intellectual divides.
Visionary Leadership: Commitment to Excellence
Razi Ahmed, CEO and Founder of LLF, shared his vision for the festival:
“LLF is a rare platform where the most distinguished voices of our time engage in meaningful conversations on literature, culture, and global narratives. This year’s festival embodies a commitment to excellence, offering a forum where ideas flourish and boundaries dissolve.”
Alhamra’s Executive Director, Touqeer Haider Kazmi, also emphasized the festival’s importance:
“Alhamra proudly hosts LLF, a festival that embodies the soul of literary and artistic heritage while showcasing Lahore as a beacon of intellectual and cultural prestige. Each year, LLF transforms the city into a crossroads of global thought, where voices from around the world converge to inspire, challenge, and reimagine the future of literature and the arts.”
Why You Should Attend LLF 2025
📌 Engage with literary giants and global thought leaders
📌 Explore Lahore’s cultural and intellectual vibrancy
📌 Discover groundbreaking ideas shaping the future
📌 Attend exclusive book launches, poetry readings, and exhibitions
📌 Experience Lahore’s dynamic art scene beyond Alhamra
The Lahore Literary Festival is not just an event—it’s an experience that defines the cultural heartbeat of Pakistan. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled celebration of words, art, and knowledge!
Stay Updated!
🎟️ Admission: Free (First-come, first-served basis)
📍 Location: Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore
📅 Dates: February 21-23, 2025
For the complete schedule of 60+ sessions, visit our website: bridesandyou.com