It’s that time of the year again when women of Pakistani nationality and/or heritage are invited to pour their hearts, souls and creative talents on to paper for the chance to win.

For 2023, the Zeenat Haroon Rashid (ZHR) Writing Prize for Women is looking for fresh, innovative short fiction on any subject or theme that uses Pakistan as a canvas or location.

Entries will be accepted from April 1 to June 30. The contest is open to women above the age of 18 and, as always, judges are looking for a distinctive voice.

The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and her story will be featured in Eos and on the official ZHR website.

Judges for 2023 includes novelists Mohammed Hanif, Aamina Ahmad and Shandana Minhas; Books and Authors In-charge Sarwat Yasmeen Azeem; and permanent judge Shan Vahidy, who is also Zeenat Haroon Rashid’s granddaughter.

Further details are available on www.zhrwritingprize.com

Published in Dawn, Books & Authors, March 26th, 2023