KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has turned down the prestigious Wolf Prize 2025 in the field of architecture, citing the “continuing genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza.

Lari confirmed her decision yesterday, explaining that she could not accept the award due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Wolf Prize, granted annually in Israel since 1978, honors living scientists and artists for their achievements in various fields, including architecture. The award aims to promote “friendly relations among people” through recognition of contributions to humanity.

In her letter to the Wolf Foundation, Lari expressed her gratitude for the honor but made it clear that accepting the award was “out of the question” given the situation in Gaza. Lari’s refusal comes amid escalating violence in Gaza.  In the past 24 hours, Israeli fire killed eight Palestinians, according to Palestinian officials, despite a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, many of them women and children. Israel’s military campaign, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, has led to widespread destruction, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas in the Gaza Strip.

The acclaimed architect, known for her socially conscious work, has long advocated for socially responsible architecture, particularly for marginalized communities. She co-founded the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan in 1980, through which she has helped build sustainable shelters and ecological cooking stoves using natural materials. In 2023, Lari was awarded the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects Royal Gold Medal for her humanitarian contributions.

“I declined the award because of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a reason I explicitly stated in my response to them,” Lari said in an interview with Arab News, adding that her decision to turn down the award was “the very least I could do.”