The Dhahan Prize For Punjabi Literature

To inspire the creation of Punjabi literature across borders, bridging Punjabi communities around the world and promoting Punjabi literature on a global scale.

Shahzad Aslam

Shahzad Aslam - Daryawan De Hani author

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Shahzad Aslam earned a law degree from Punjab University, Lahore. In doing so, he fulfilled his own dreams, and that of his illiterate parents’ hopes for him. Today, he is a court judge by profession.

Aslam says he started writing fiction when he became bored with legal research. In writing, he has found new energy and inspiration. His first story collection, 'Wawarolay,' won 'Sulekh Inam.' His second collection, 'Daryawan De Haani,' was awarded first prize by the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture in Lahore. The same book was also shortlisted for The Dhahan Prize in 2022.

“Writing is a key for me to seek truth and discover myself, understand myself and others. Writing in one's mother language is the surest way to discovery and liberation. In today’s unstable world, fiction is my only refuge.”

-Shahzad Aslam