By: shazia saddique
The Ceremony Held at French Ambassador’s Residence to Honor the Cultural Luminary Lahore, June 12, 2025 – In a moment of extraordinary cultural significance, Mr. Razi Ahmed, Chairman of the Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) and Founder of the Lahore Literary Festival, has been awarded the prestigious title of Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French Ministry of Culture — one of the most distinguished honors of the French Republic. The honor was formally conferred upon Mr. Ahmed on June 11, 2025, in a dignified and beautifully hosted ceremony at the residence of the French Ambassador in Islamabad. H.E. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, presented the insignia in the presence of Mr. Ahmed’s family and leading figures from Pakistan’s vibrant cultural landscape including, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, EU Ambassador Riina Kionka, Ambassador of Portugal Frederico da Silva, Ambassador of Italy Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Bulgaria Irena Gancheva, Ambassador of Ireland Mary O’ Neill, Head of the UN in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya, and the deputy head of the mission of Argentina Erica Lucero. The event underscored a shared commitment to global cultural dialogue and the values of artistic excellence.
In the official letter of commendation, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati lauded Mr. Ahmed’s dedication to promoting creativity, knowledge exchange, and cultural heritage. The letter reads: “France has decided to pay tribute to your contribution to the distribution of Arts and Letters in France and worldwide… your dedication in the service of culture holds such a special place in French people’s hearts.” Mr. Ahmed, in his speech, remarked that ‘in a world riven by conflict and hate-mongering, we must strive for more unity, more reason, and more compassion through more cross-border cultural collaborations.’ Executive Director of Alhamra, Mr. Touqeer Haider Kazmi, extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Lahore Arts Council and the wider artistic community, stating: “This is a moment of immense pride for Alhamra. The conferment of such a globally esteemed cultural honor upon our Chairman is not just a personal achievement for Mr. Razi Ahmed but a powerful testament to Alhamra’s legacy, vision, and international repute.” Mr. Kazmi further announced that Alhamra will organize a grand tribute ceremony in Lahore to commemorate this exceptional milestone. “We will celebrate this honor with an event as distinguished as the award itself — a tribute that reflects our deep admiration for Mr. Ahmed’s contributions and the timeless bond between France and Pakistan through the arts,” he added.
As the founding figure behind one of South Asia’s most dynamic literary forums and a committed steward of Alhamra’s cultural mission, Mr. Ahmed’s leadership has forged pathways between cultures, continents, and communities. This recognition places him in the illustrious company of global cultural icons and affirms his enduring impact on arts, literature, and international cultural cooperation. The Lahore Arts Council, under his chairmanship, has continued to flourish as a bastion of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue, and this honor serves as a crown jewel in Alhamra’s ongoing journey of excellence.
