The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) 2025 is set to return with a spectacular lineup of intellectual discourse, artistic brilliance, and literary excellence. Scheduled to take place from February 21 to 23, 2025, at the Alhamra Arts Council, this year’s festival marks its 13th edition, promising an immersive experience featuring over 150 distinguished scholars, historians, authors, poets, and artists engaging in more than 60 captivating sessions.
An Intellectual and Cultural Extravaganza
LLF 2025 will commence with an enlightening inaugural session titled “Muslim Enlightened Thought in South Asia,” featuring renowned historian Dr. Ayesha Jalal and distinguished academic Mary Richardson. This session, scheduled for February 21 at 2:30 PM in Alhamra Hall 1, will delve into the historical narratives, intellectual traditions, and contemporary discourse shaping the Muslim world.
Beyond the literary discussions, the festival promises an enriching experience encompassing literature, history, poetry, cinema, heritage, architecture, and contemporary affairs. The event will host a variety of panel discussions, book launches, poetry readings, and exhibitions, alongside engaging performances and visual art showcases. Adding to the artistic appeal, a prestigious exhibition at the Allah Bakhsh Gallery will further elevate the cultural ambiance of LLF 2025.
Beyond Alhamra: A Citywide Celebration
Expanding its reach beyond the festival venue, LLF 2025 will extend its literary and artistic engagements across Lahore, transforming the city into a hub of intellectual exchange and creative exploration. This initiative reinforces LLF’s stature as Pakistan’s premier literary and cultural gathering, attracting a diverse audience eager to explore narratives that transcend geographical boundaries.
Leadership Insights: A Commitment to Excellence
Expressing his vision for the festival, Alhamra Chairman and LLF CEO Razi Ahmed emphasized the event’s intellectual significance:
“LLF is a unique platform where some of the most brilliant minds of our time come together to engage in meaningful discussions on literature, culture, and global narratives. This year’s festival reaffirms our commitment to excellence, offering a space where ideas flourish and perspectives evolve.”
Similarly, Alhamra’s Executive Director, Touqeer Haider Kazmi, highlighted the institution’s dedication to cultural dialogue:
“Hosting LLF is an honor for Alhamra, as it embodies the soul of literary and artistic heritage. Each edition transforms Lahore into a meeting point of global thought, inspiring new narratives and reaffirming the city’s legacy as a center of creativity and knowledge.”
A Stellar Lineup of Global and National Icons
LLF 2025 boasts an impressive roster of international and national luminaries, including:
- Dr. Ayesha Jalal (Historian, USA)
- Diana Darke (Middle Eastern Cultural Heritage Expert, UK)
- Susan Stronge (Mughal and Sikh Art Scholar, UK)
- Peter Frankopan (Acclaimed Historian, UK)
- Jessica Bruder (Award-winning Journalist & Author, USA)
- Fatimah Asghar (Poet & Screenwriter, USA)
- David Wiegand (Renowned German Writer)
- Mishal Husain (Esteemed BBC Journalist, UK)
- Ez El Hassan (Palestinian Filmmaker & Media Scholar, Qatar)
- Sunila Jayawardena (Sri Lankan Environmentalist)
- Luca M. Olivieri (Italian Archaeologist, Swat Mission Director)
- Clemens Berger (Austrian Playwright & Columnist)
- Sofka Zinovieff (British Journalist & Author)
- Yasmeen Hameed & Iftikhar Arif (Icons of Pakistani Literature)
LLF 2025: A Cultural Landmark Not to Be Missed
As one of South Asia’s most prestigious literary festivals, LLF 2025 stands as a beacon of intellectual engagement, cultural preservation, and artistic innovation. It offers audiences an unmatched opportunity to interact with renowned literary figures, explore groundbreaking ideas, and witness the confluence of global and regional narratives.
Over the past 12 editions, the Lahore Literary Festival has evolved into a symbol of Lahore’s vibrant cultural identity. Each year, it has welcomed visionary thinkers, literary pioneers, and artistic trailblazers, transforming Alhamra into a global crossroads of creativity and intellectual thought. As LLF embarks on its 13th chapter, it promises to deliver an even more inspiring and thought-provoking celebration of words, art, and imagination.