Pakistani Architect Yasmeen Lari Rejects Israeli Award Over Gaza Genocide

MUZAFFARABAD: Renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has declined the Wolf Prize 2025, citing Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has refused to accept the prestigious Wolf Prize for Architecture 2025 in protest against what she described as the “continuous genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza.

Speaking to Independent Urdu on Tuesday, Lari stated that she rejected the award due to Israel’s relentless violence in Gaza.

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“Given the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza, how could I accept an award from them?” she said.

“We may not be able to do much, but we can at least stand with the oppressed on moral grounds. My conscience did not allow me to accept this award, so I declined it.”

Lari explained that the Wolf Prize administration had contacted her via email, requesting her phone number. Later, they spoke to her over the phone and informed her that they highly valued her work and wished to recognize her contributions by presenting her with the award alongside other distinguished global figures.

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“When I refused, the Wolf Prize administration said that they are a non-governmental organization and have no political affiliations. But I still refused to accept the award,” she stated.

The foundation even offered to hold the award ceremony outside Israel, suggesting locations in Europe, the US, or anywhere else in the world, but Lari still declined.

About the Wolf Prize

The Wolf Prize is an international award presented in Israel since 1978. It honors scientists and artists for their contributions to humanity and aims to promote better relations between nations.

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The award is presented in six fields: Agriculture, Chemistry, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, and the Arts. The Arts category alternates between architecture, music, painting, and sculpture.

Lari’s Humanitarian Work

Yasmeen Lari is widely recognized for her pioneering work in humanitarian architecture and her dedication to serving Pakistan’s most underprivileged communities.

In 1980, she co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan with her husband, Suhail Zaheer Lari.

To date, she has built over 50,000 sustainable homes and 80,000 eco-friendly stoves, using natural materials such as mud, lime, and bamboo.

Lari has promoted low-carbon, environmentally friendly construction techniques, ensuring sustainable housing for Pakistan’s marginalized communities.

In 2023, she received the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for her contributions to humanitarian architecture.

Decision Amid Gaza Crisis

Lari’s decision comes at a time when Israeli airstrikes and military actions continue to devastate Gaza.

According to Palestinian officials, despite ceasefire agreements, Israeli strikes killed at least eight more people in the last 24 hours.

Last week, Israel also cut off essential supplies, including food and electricity, to the besieged Palestinian territory.

Since October 7, 2023, more than 48,000 Palestinians—a majority of them women and children—have been killed by Israeli forces.

Over 15 months of Israeli military action has destroyed Gaza, leaving hospitals, schools, and entire residential neighborhoods in ruins.

By rejecting the Wolf Prize, Yasmeen Lari has joined a growing list of global figures who are taking a stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza.