LAHORE  –  The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) organised a refined and intellectually engaging literary evening to honour distinguished women prose writers, celebrating the strength,  sensitivity, and narrative depth of contemporary Urdu prose. The event featured eminent writers Neelum Ahmed Bashir, Sofia Baidar, and Naveen Roma, whose creative contributions continue to shape modern Urdu literature. The session was elegantly moderated by renowned writer Amna Mufti, whose articulate and thoughtful moderation lent coherence and intellectual rhythm to the proceedings. Speakers observed that Pakistani women prose writers have earned recognition at the global level, with their writings influencing literary, academic, and social thought. It was emphasized that meaningful literature serves as a social responsibility, fostering awareness, empathy, and intellectual growth.  Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed, in his remarks, said that women prose writers have significantly expanded the intellectual and emotional landscape of Urdu literature by introducing narrative depth, social awareness, and artistic maturity. He reaffirmed Alhamra’s commitment to providing a dignified platform for creative voices that honestly reflect societal realities.  Executive Director Lahore Arts Council Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said that Alhamra will continue to organize literary and cultural activities with consistency and vision. 

He noted that literary evenings dedicated to women writers not only celebrate literature but also help connect younger generations with quality writing, critical thinking, and cultural values. During the discussion, Amna Mufti shared insights into her ongoing novel inspired by her grandmother’s life and read selected passages that left a lasting impression on the audience. 

Her analytical observations on prose writing, delivered with clarity and literary finesse, were widely appreciated. Sofia Baidar emphasized the need to institutionalize prose readings in the same manner as poetry recitals to strengthen the direct relationship between writers and readers. She also presented a short story that received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Neelum Ahmed Bashir, while presenting her work, remarked that the keen interest of listeners proved that the short story remains a vibrant and powerful literary form. Her narrative reflected thematic depth, intellectual maturity, and refined craftsmanship.

At the conclusion, speakers and participants unanimously appreciated Alhamra’s initiative to organize literary evenings dedicated to women prose writers, terming it a visionary step that strengthens literary traditions, promotes creative dialogue, and reinforces Alhamra’s role as a leading cultural and intellectual institution of the country.