The literary scene is abuzz following the announcement of the Zeenat Haroon Rashid (ZHR) Writing Prize for Women 2025. This year’s prestigious award, designed to elevate the voices of female writers, goes to Sidra Nisar for her captivating short story, “Chai and the City.”
Nisar’s victory is a celebration of stories rooted deeply in local life. Her winning work, which earned her the substantial prize money, captivated the judges by finding profound meaning in the everyday rhythm of a bustling metropolis.
🔥We are excited to announce that the WINNER for the 2025 short fiction competition is Sidra Nisar for her short story CHAI AND THE CITY. The story will soon be published in @dawn_com and on our website soon after.
Details https://t.co/SQgbF9MukX pic.twitter.com/fpNDlWZeGQ— Zeenat Haroon Rashid Writing Prize for Women (@ZHRwritingprize) November 14, 2025
An Ode to the Chai Wala
“Chai and the City” is an atmospheric piece that transports the reader directly into the intimate world of a Karachi tea stall. The narrative centers around Chacha Wahid, the seasoned proprietor of the dhaba, who acts as the quiet philosopher and witness to the ever-shifting human drama that unfolds daily at his counter.
You May Like To Read: From Lahore to London: Suleman Aqeel Khilji’s Award-Winning Art Goes on Display
The judges, a panel featuring literary heavyweights like novelists Uzma Aslam Khan and Omar Shahid Hamid, lauded Nisar’s skill in portraying this microcosm. They noted that the story’s strength lay in its “powerful, immersive” quality, expertly combining the “tender and witty” personal tales of students, professionals, and neighbors who share space over a simple cup of tea. Nisar successfully transforms the ordinary ritual of drinking chai into a shared cultural experience, one that reflects the very heartbeat of Karachi.
Shaping the Future of Pakistani Fiction
The ZHR Writing Prize holds a unique place in Pakistan’s cultural landscape. Dedicated to the memory of Zeenat Haroon Rashid, a remarkable figure from Pakistan’s independence era, the award is crucial in fostering new female talent.
This year’s competition revealed a wealth of compelling narratives. Beyond Nisar’s win, the judges highlighted several other works with special mentions, showcasing the diverse themes currently preoccupying Pakistani women writers.
View this post on Instagram
Stories like Sumayya Arshed’s piece used sharp, witty observation to critique entrenched gender expectations within family settings.
Other commended works tackled intricate issues like challenging social structures and exploring identity through atmospheric regional settings.
The selection confirms that the ZHR Prize remains an essential springboard for emerging writers, ensuring that the authentic, distinct, and high-quality narratives of Pakistani women reach both local and international readers.
