“Slow Cooking by Syeda Errah possesses an unassuming, graceful beauty that tugs at you, pulling you in with each stanza’s slowly brewing angst, quietude and endless wait that stirs something deep inside you. – Usama Lali (Judge ARPA 2025)”
Tributaries by Ayesha Owais – 2025 Abida Rauf Poetry Award Winner
“The winning entry Tributaries by Ayesha Owais is a poignant meditation on the body, its insatiable longing for touch, and its perceived insufficiencies. Penned in pared down language that’s elliptical yet precise, Ayesha’s sparse poem trickles down the page one spare stanza after another, leaving behind a trace of unmet yearnings, whispered laments and a quietly brewing anger threatening to surface. – Usama Lali (Judge ARPA 2025)”
The Future of the Novel in the Age of Short Prose
In an era where digital platforms dictate reading habits, and attention spans are increasingly fragmented, the novel must navigate a precarious path between tradition and innovation.
Bapsi Sidhwa
The experience of Partition profoundly shaped her writing, allowing her to portray the human cost of historical events.
Reshaping Modern Storytelling through Social Media
Readers and viewers are no longer passive consumers but active participants who can influence the trajectory of a narrative through comments, polls, and live interactions.
Mohsin Hamid
“His writing challenges stereotypes and compels readers to confront the realities of the changing world which have often gone unnoticed to gain a better understanding of the conditions humans are living in and subjected to.”
The Rise of Autofiction: Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction
“The literary landscape has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades, with autofiction emerging as one of the most compelling and controversial narrative forms of contemporary literature”
Ismat Chughtai
“Chughtai’s notable contribution lies in her courage to address sensitive topics like female sexuality and social injustice leading to her work sparking debates, and challenging conservative mindsets.”
The Art of Book Reviewing
“In a world increasingly driven by the rapid pace of digital media, the art of traditional book reviewing—a practice once valued for its depth, insight, and careful analysis—appears to be gradually waning, supplanted by shorter, often cursory reviews that cater to the fast-moving, attention-scarce habits of today’s online audiences.”
Herbert George Wells
“His role as a science fiction author is of immense importance as he – in a rather insightful manner – carves an interlinking pathway between the social, political, and scientific issues pertaining to the English society.”
A Revival: The Lost Art of Letter Writing
“In an age dominated by instant messages, social media updates, and emails, it is easy to overlook the art of handwritten letter writing, yet, in the depths of our fast-paced, digital lives, there remains a profound, timeless beauty in taking pen to paper.”
Shadab Zeest Hashmi
“Her exploration of native traditions and collective histories through food, places, and landscape indigenous to the people of the subcontinent in her book Ghazal Cosmopolitan allows the reader to transcend the boundaries of the present moment and delve into the intricacies of memories of the past.”
The Importance of Diversity in Literature: Expanding Horizons through Diverse Voices
“In a world as culturally rich and varied as ours, literature has a special role in reflecting and expanding our understanding of human experience.”
Sow a Thought and You Reap an Action by Izza Ali Khan
“Izza Ali Khan, born in 1999 in Sahiwal, Pakistan, is a visual artist based in Lahore. She graduated with honors from Lahore College for Women University in 2023, majoring in Painting. Currently, Izza works as the Gallery Manager at ArtSoch Contemporary. Her artwork has been showcased at various venues, including VM Art Gallery, ArtSoch Contemporary, and ArtNest Studio.”
It’s December Again by Mary Christina
“Conundrum, conundrum: what is better, coffin or the bed?”
November’s Whisper by Iqra Naeem
“Cold enraptures me in its minimalist ways.
The mountains, the trees, the stars and the haze—
All there to elicit my winter craze.”
Pink Sleeves with White Dots by Hanzla Ahmad
“The protagonist experiences shock and unexpected joy upon receiving a loving message from his father, who has never shown affection before. However, he soon discovers it was a prank by his sister, leaving him in deep disappointment. This moment illustrates the vulnerability of human emotions and the impact of fleeting hope.”
An Ode to Palestine by Fatima Riaz
“The playground, now silent and melancholic, reflects on the loss of laughter and life. Once vibrant and filled with joy, the swings and trees stand as mournful reminders of past seasons. The atmosphere is thick with nostalgia, as echoes of children linger, but the present reveals only their absence.”
When Chai Turns Cold by Zubaria Fakhar
“A poignant and evocative story. capturing the emotional distance between Zoe and Adil through their everyday routines. The chai, once a symbol of their connection, now serves as a reminder of their growing apart.”
Echoes of the Past by Sheikh Maryam Rehman
“The narrative revolves around Lenah, who reflects on the tragic death of Adam, a loved one, two years after his loss. As she navigates her grief, she struggles with the pressure to move on and the guilt of reconnecting with someone new, Liam. Ultimately, Lenah realizes moving on may not be feasible, but she must embrace her enduring pain.”