ISLAMABAD — Two Pakistani writers have been shortlisted for the 2026 Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature, a prestigious international award recognizing excellence in Punjabi fiction. Akmal Shahzad Ghumman and Amber Hosseini have been named among the finalists, marking a significant achievement for Pakistani literature.
What Happened
Akmal Shahzad Ghumman, a prominent Punjabi writer and broadcaster, has been shortlisted for his Shahmukhi novel Parchhawan. This marks his third consecutive year being shortlisted for the Dhahan Prize, highlighting his sustained contribution to Punjabi literature. Amber Hosseini, another Pakistani writer, has also been recognized for her Shahmukhi novel Nawaan Pind. This is the first time in the history of the Dhahan Prize that two Pakistani writers have been selected as finalists.
The third finalist is Indian writer Rajpreet Kaur Benipal, who has been shortlisted for her Gurmukhi short-story collection Qabran Vich Ugge Phull. The selection of these finalists was made from a pool of 58 eligible submissions received from countries including Pakistan, India, Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The Dhahan Prize, established in 2013, is awarded by the Canada India Education Society in partnership with the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia. It is recognized as one of the leading honors for Punjabi fiction, celebrating works in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts. The prize includes a total purse of 51,000 Canadian dollars, with the winner receiving 25,000 Canadian dollars and the two finalists each receiving 10,000 Canadian dollars. An additional 6,000 Canadian dollars is allocated for the transliteration of the winning books into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi, expanding their reach to Punjabi readers worldwide.
The winner of the 2026 Dhahan Prize will be announced at an award ceremony in Canada on November 18, 2026. Barj S. Dhahan, the founder of the prize, emphasized that the finalists exemplify the creativity and diversity inherent in Punjabi fiction, underscoring the enduring strength of this literary tradition.
Background
The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature was established to honor exceptional works of Punjabi fiction and to promote the Punjabi language across the globe. Since its inception in 2013, the prize has been instrumental in bringing Punjabi literature to an international audience, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Punjabi literature has a rich history, with its roots deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of the Punjab region. The use of both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts reflects the linguistic diversity within the Punjabi-speaking community, which spans across India and Pakistan. The Dhahan Prize aims to bridge this linguistic divide by recognizing works in both scripts.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of two Pakistani writers as finalists for the Dhahan Prize is a testament to the growing recognition of Pakistani literature on the international stage. This achievement not only highlights the talent and creativity of Pakistani authors but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting Punjabi literature.
For Pakistan, this recognition can foster a greater appreciation for its literary heritage and encourage more writers to explore Punjabi fiction. It also serves as a cultural bridge, enhancing understanding and cooperation between Punjabi-speaking communities in India and Pakistan. The transliteration of the winning works into both scripts further ensures that these stories reach a wider audience, promoting linguistic inclusivity.
Economically, the prize can provide financial support to writers, enabling them to continue their literary pursuits. The international exposure gained through the Dhahan Prize can open up new opportunities for Pakistani authors, potentially leading to more translations and wider publication of their works.
Key Takeaways
- Two Pakistani writers, Akmal Shahzad Ghumman and Amber Hosseini, have been shortlisted for the 2026 Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature.
- This is the first time two Pakistani authors have been selected as finalists in the history of the award.
- The Dhahan Prize is a prestigious international award recognizing excellence in Punjabi fiction in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts.
- The prize includes a total purse of 51,000 Canadian dollars, with funds allocated for transliteration to reach a broader audience.
- The recognition of Pakistani writers highlights the country’s literary talent and promotes cultural exchange between Punjabi-speaking communities.
Source Attribution
This article is based on official government statements, press releases, and public communications from relevant authorities.
