National Program Project

Guidelines

The National Poem Project will be open for poetry submissions from Feb. 1, 2024 - March 29, 2024. The contest is open to young writers across Pakistan ages 16-25. We encourage poets to apply from ALL parts of Pakistan, from ALL backgrounds. Poets will submit 1-2 poems in either ENGLISH or URDU, (or a hybrid that includes both languages). Please do not submit poems that are longer than 2 pages. We will only accept ONE submission per poet in the language that you choose.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for your to submit your BEST poetry. We are looking for poems that celebrate your identity and culture, where you are from, and what you are about. That said, ANY subject matter is welcome. Submit the poems that represent you, your poetic style, and your best work.

What’s Next

During the month of April 2024, a panel of diverse judges will review all of the poems and select 20 winners. The judges are poets, writers, organizational leaders and professors. All of the judges are Pakistani. In May 2024, the top 20 winning poets will be announced, along with a group of runners up who will be invited to monthly online workshops. The 20 National Poem Project winners will be published in an anthology, and they will also be paired with a Pakistani mentor who will work with them to develop a porfolio of poetry. In September 2024, the winning poets will submit their poetry portfolios to be considered for Paksitan’s first-ever Youth Poet Laureate title. In November 2024, we will host a celebration event to feature our finalists, and at the conclusion of the event we will announce (2) Pakistani Youth Poets Laureate (1 in English and 1 in Urdu).