By: Dr. Mirza MB Qamar/ANI
GUJRANWALA — The second ceremony of the Mehkan Literary Award 2026, organized by the Mehkan Punjabi Literary Board, was held at The Learners Academy Gujranwala.
The ceremony was presided over by renowned poet Professor Dr. Azhar Iqbal Azhar, while Madam Naila Riaz was the chief guest. Dr. Hafeez Ahmed Bajwa and Dr. Aamir Iqbal Siddiqui attended as guests of honor.
Literary awards were presented to prominent writers for their outstanding books published in 2025, including Professor Sarwat Sohail, Nusrat Zaheer, Muhammad Ayub Sabir, Abdul Majeed Sabri, Shaheen Naqvi, Habibullah, Khalid Fateh Muhammad and Ehsan Faisal Kanjahi.
President Mehkan Punjabi Literary Board Dr. Mushtaq Adil presented commemorative shields to distinguished guests. Khalid Fateh Muhammad received a special shield for being awarded the Imtiaz Medal, while renowned writer Professor Muhammad Riaz Shahid was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his literary services.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr. Azhar Iqbal Azhar praised the board’s efforts to promote Punjabi literature and culture and encourage emerging writers. Other guests also appreciated the board’s literary contributions.
The event was hosted by Professor Rana Arif Ali, while Shahid Siddiq Gul served as stage secretary.
