The 39th annual five-day Lahore International Book Fair continued in full swing at the Expo Centre, Johar Town, drawing readers and literary enthusiasts from across the city. On the fourth day, the National Book Foundation organised a memorable poetry mehfil titled “اس سے راہِ سخن نکلتی ہے” that brought prominent voices of Urdu literature together under one roof.
Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, opened the session and highlighted the organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen book culture and promote reading among new generations. The poetry event underscored the National Book Foundation’s role in sustaining literary traditions and connecting youth with books, a central theme throughout the Lahore Book Fair.
Renowned poet Ghulam Hussain Sajid presided over the mehfil while poet and literary figure Saud Usmani attended as guest of honour. Naveed Sadiq expertly conducted the proceedings, creating an engaging atmosphere for both the poets and the audience. The session featured readings by Wajid Ameer, Hamida Shaheen, Irfan Sadiq, Manzar Ijaz, Anbarin Salahuddin, Shahid Ashraf and Saleem Akhtar, whose thoughtful and creative verses earned warm applause and appreciation from attendees.
Participants praised the National Book Foundation for organising such purposeful literary programmes within the Lahore Book Fair, noting how events like this nurture a vibrant literary community and encourage wider public engagement with Urdu poetry. At the conclusion of the mehfil, the president of the session and the guest of honour commended the foundation’s cultural initiatives, and Dr. Kamran Jahangir presented books to the participating poets as tokens of appreciation.
The Lahore Book Fair continues through 8 February, offering a mix of exhibitions and cultural events that celebrate Pakistan’s literary heritage while promoting the habit of reading among new generations.
