LAHORE: The Punjab Institute of Language, Art & Culture (Pilac) has formally announced the Pilac Best Book Award 2025, a prestigious Punjabi books competition aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding literary contributions in the Punjabi language.

According to official sources, the competition had invited submissions of books published during the calendar year 2025, covering the period from January 1, 2025, to December 30, 2025. The deadline for submission of entries was April 27, 2026, drawing a significant response from authors, publishers, and literary circles across the province and beyond.

The award encompasses five major literary categories, reflecting the diversity and richness of Punjabi literature. These include poetry, prose, research and criticism, children’s literature, and translations. Each category is expected to showcase a wide spectrum of creative and scholarly work, ranging from contemporary poetic expressions to critical studies and literary translations that bridge linguistic and cultural divides.

To encourage excellence and recognise merit, Pilac has announced cash prizes for the winners in each category. The first prize carries an award of Rs200,000, while the second prize is set at Rs150,000, and the third prize is Rs100,000, separately for each of the five categories. These awards are intended not only as financial incentives but also as a mark of honour for writers contributing to the promotion and preservation of the Punjabi language and literature.

Officials at Pilac stated that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to promote Pakistani languages and cultural heritage. “Punjabi literature holds a vital place in our cultural identity. Through such competitions, we aim to acknowledge the efforts of writers and encourage new voices to emerge,” an official remarked.

The evaluation process will be carried out by a panel of eminent scholars, critics, and literary experts, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection.

The judging criteria will focus on originality, literary quality, thematic depth, and contribution to the enrichment of Punjabi literature.

Literary observers have welcomed the announcement, noting that such awards play a crucial role in revitalising interest in Punjabi writing, particularly among the younger generations.

They also highlighted the importance of institutional support in sustaining literary traditions in an era increasingly dominated by digital media and globalised content.

The Pilac Best Book Award has, over the years, established itself as a credible platform for recognising literary excellence. This year’s competition is expected to further strengthen that legacy, given the growing number of Punjabi publications and the evolving thematic concerns of contemporary writers.

The winners of the competition will be announced at a formal ceremony, the date of which will be communicated separately. The event is anticipated to bring together prominent figures from the literary and cultural landscape, celebrating the enduring vitality of the Punjabi language and its creative expressions.

With the successful closure of submissions, the focus now shifts to the evaluation stage, marking the beginning of what promises to be a keenly contested and highly anticipated literary recognition process.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026