ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Division Irfan Siddiqui on Wednesday directed the relevant officials to expedite work on establishing more offices of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
“The network of PAL offices is being expanded after a period of 40 years so there should be no delay in completion of this project,” he said while addressing a meeting held at the NH&LH division. He added that this initiative would help to promote literary activities across the country and acknowledge the contributions of the writers and poets of far-flung areas.
He said that all the national institutions were working diligently to eradicate terrorism and extremism, however, more efforts were needed on literary fronts. “The menace of terrorism and extremism can only be curbed through the power of books, pen and knowledge,” he added.
He further stated that it was the national responsibility of literary people to use the power of their pen to end ignorance and inculcate positive and constructive thinking among the citizens. He also directed to complete all the necessary requirements for initiating ‘Intezar Hussain Award’ to the best literary persons.
He also directed the officials concerned to look into the possibilities of collaboration with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in this regard.
PAL Chairman Dr Qasim Bughio briefed the advisor about the latest updates on establishing these offices. The meeting also reviewed the issuance of insurance facility and monthly stipends for deserving literary persons.
The meeting was also attended by NH&LH Joint Secretary Syed Junaid Akhlaq and other officials of the division and PAL.
