AKU-ISMC is proud to celebrate the achievements of its distinguished alumni and faculty with the announcement of the Bloomsbury Pakistan Book Prize 2024 winners. This biennial award, recognising exceptional scholarly contributions to the understanding of Pakistan, has honoured Dr Sanaa Alimia and Dr Omar Kasmani—both esteemed members of the AKU Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) community.
Dr Sanaa Alimia, Assistant Professor at AKU-ISMC, has been awarded for her groundbreaking work, Refugee Cities: How Afghans Changed Urban Pakistan. This seminal study explores the profound impact of Afghan refugees on the urban fabric of Pakistan. Dr Alimia’s research not only chronicles the challenges faced by these displaced communities but also celebrates their resilience and transformative role in shaping Pakistani cities. Her book is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring capacity for adaptation.
Dr Omar Kasmani, an alum of AKU-ISMC, has been honoured for his thought-provoking book, Queer Companions: Religion, Public Intimacy, and Saintly Affects in Pakistan. Through unflinching honesty and meticulous research, Dr Kasmani provides a groundbreaking exploration of queer identities within the intricate tapestry of Pakistani religious and cultural traditions. His work challenges entrenched norms and stereotypes, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and perspectives that enrich the nation’s social fabric.
The achievements of Dr Alimia and Dr Kasmani reflect the intellectual vibrancy of AKU-ISMC and the university’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence. Their work exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship and offers invaluable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of Pakistani society.
The Bloomsbury Pakistan Book Prize not only celebrates outstanding research but also fosters a deeper appreciation of Pakistan’s cultural and historical tapestry. By recognising and rewarding exceptional scholarship, the prize inspires future generations of researchers to explore the complexities of Pakistani society and contribute to building a brighter future.
AKU-ISMC is proud to celebrate the achievements of its distinguished alumni and faculty with the announcement of the Bloomsbury Pakistan Book Prize 2024 winners. This biennial award, recognising exceptional scholarly contributions to the understanding of Pakistan, has honoured Dr Sanaa Alimia and Dr Omar Kasmani—both esteemed members of the AKU Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) community.
Dr Sanaa Alimia, Assistant Professor at AKU-ISMC, has been awarded for her groundbreaking work, Refugee Cities: How Afghans Changed Urban Pakistan. This seminal study explores the profound impact of Afghan refugees on the urban fabric of Pakistan. Dr Alimia’s research not only chronicles the challenges faced by these displaced communities but also celebrates their resilience and transformative role in shaping Pakistani cities. Her book is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring capacity for adaptation.
Dr Omar Kasmani, an alum of AKU-ISMC, has been honoured for his thought-provoking book, Queer Companions: Religion, Public Intimacy, and Saintly Affects in Pakistan. Through unflinching honesty and meticulous research, Dr Kasmani provides a groundbreaking exploration of queer identities within the intricate tapestry of Pakistani religious and cultural traditions. His work challenges entrenched norms and stereotypes, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and perspectives that enrich the nation’s social fabric.
The achievements of Dr Alimia and Dr Kasmani reflect the intellectual vibrancy of AKU-ISMC and the university’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence. Their work exemplifies the highest standards of scholarship and offers invaluable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of Pakistani society.
The Bloomsbury Pakistan Book Prize not only celebrates outstanding research but also fosters a deeper appreciation of Pakistan’s cultural and historical tapestry. By recognising and rewarding exceptional scholarship, the prize inspires future generations of researchers to explore the complexities of Pakistani society and contribute to building a brighter future.
