The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for Courage, Expression, and Freedom, hosted the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 ceremony at Auditorium II. Zahida Hina, a distinguished journalist, columnist, novelist, playwright, and essayist, was awarded for her outstanding contributions to literature and journalism.
The ceremony featured a keynote address by Professor Dr. Riaz Shaikh, while Syed Jaffar Ahmed presented an in-depth speech on the evolution of literature. Acclaimed dancer Sanober Nazir delivered a powerful performance of Ahfaz-ur-Rahman’s iconic poem Hamari Hathkadi Kholo. Dr. Nazir Mahmood moderated the event.
Notable figures, including senior journalists Mazhar Abbas, Owais Tohid, Tauseef Ahmed, poet Tanveer Anjum, Mehnaz Rehman, and Afzal Ahmed Syed, along with various writers, journalists, and a large number of students from Federal Urdu University, attended the award ceremony.
In his keynote, Prof. Dr. Riaz Shaikh extended his gratitude to the Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Committee and noted that discussions around freedom of expression remain vital in today’s era of authoritarian liberalism. He emphasized the continued relevance of Ahfaz-ur-Rahman’s poem Hamari Hathkadi Kholo, describing it as a powerful symbol of resistance. Quoting from the book Afaqi Zamana, he explained how the 17th century laid the foundation for freedom of thought and expression. He cited Britain’s 1695 law as a milestone for promoting democratic values and free speech. Coffee houses in Britain, France, West Ceylon, and Germany became new hubs for intellectual dialogue. He further highlighted the significance of John Locke’s 1672 public theory, which emphasized that certain rights are inherent and natural.
Dr. Riaz Shaikh concluded that such events are a positive step forward and should be organized regularly.
Speaking on Zahida Hina’s literary achievements, Dr. Jaffar Ahmed remarked that she had a unique ability to craft stories from real-life scenes. Her work often appeared in newspapers the day after a major event, reflecting her responsiveness and journalistic insight. He also shared that Ahfaz-ur-Rahman endured extremely challenging times—so much that, at one point, no one was willing to offer him employment. Yet destiny had a different path for this tireless rights fighter.
