LAYYAH:
One of Pakistan’s most celebrated literary institutions, Pak Tea House Lahore, has served as a gathering place for poets, writers and intellectuals for decades.
Literary giants such as Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ibn-e-Insha, Ahmed Faraz and Saadat Hasan Manto frequented this historic venue, where ideas flourished and creativity thrived. The café was more than just a meeting spot; it was a sanctuary for struggling writers, where financial hardship never hindered artistic expression.
Writers often shared tea, cigarettes and endless discussions, shaping the country’s literary landscape.
Recognising the significance of such a literary hub, Layyah district has now taken a step by establishing Pak Tea House Layyah – a second branch of this iconic institution in Punjab.
Layyah, often referred to as the “Lucknow of Literature,” has long been a fertile ground for literary and intellectual discourse. The city has produced renowned poets, historians, and writers whose influence extends far beyond Pakistan’s borders.
Scholars like Dr Gopichand Narang, Dr Khayal Amrohvi, Naseem Layyah and Dr Mehr Abdul Haq Samra have upheld Layyah’s literary legacy, making the city synonymous with knowledge and artistic excellence.
The establishment of Pak Tea House Layyah is largely credited to Deputy Commissioner Ameera Baidar, a trailblazing administrator with deep literary roots. Her mother, Sofia Baidar, is a distinguished writer, poet, and columnist whose works have captivated readers across the country.
Carrying forward her family’s literary tradition, Ameera Baidar initiated and completed the grand Pak Tea House Layyah project in record time, providing a dedicated space for intellectual and cultural gatherings.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Municipal Public Library Layyah, was attended by prominent literary figures, academics, and government officials.
Among the guests were Prof Gul Abbas Awan (Pak Tea House Layyah President), Muhammad Sabir Atta (General Secretary), Additional Deputy Commissioner Shahid Malik, Deputy Director Development Kamran and former principals Dr Zafar Alam Zafri, Dr Muzammil Hussain and Dr Hamid Ulfat Mulghani.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Ameera Baidar emphasised that Pak Tea House Layyah would serve as a hub for fostering intellectual growth, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting knowledge. She proposed extending similar initiatives to Chowk Azam and other tehsils, ensuring that literary culture continues to thrive in the region.
Professor Gul Abbas Awan, the president of Pak Tea House Layyah, expressed his gratitude to Ameera Baidar for her unwavering commitment to the project.
He highlighted the tea house’s role in providing a platform for writers, poets, and scholars to engage in meaningful discussions, shaping the literary and cultural landscape of Layyah.
Dr Zafar Alam Zafari lauded the initiative, stating that the tea house would help scholars and writers play an active role in guiding society’s intellectual direction.
He and fellow writer Pervez Munir presented their literary works to the Deputy Commissioner, marking the beginning of what promises to be a vibrant literary tradition in Layyah.
