About two weeks back, I visited the Academy of Letters in Islamabad to attend a book launching ceremony. It was deeply disappointing to see the Academy in a dilapidated condition – poorly maintained and inadequately managed. The whole building, particularly the washrooms meant for public, was untidy and unhygienic. Such neglect reflects very poorly on an institution that is meant to represent the literary and cultural dignity of the country.
I also observed an unfortunate aspect of the event itself. A few individuals among the participants appeared to be hijacking the ceremony by diverting attention away from the actual purpose of the gathering and using the platform primarily to promote personal interests and gains. This not only disrupted the spirit of the event but also compromised the prestige of the Academy. The Academy of Letters is a respected national institution, and it is distressing to see it gradually falling under the influence of vested groups and informal “mafias” that seek to control literary forums for their own benefit.
Urgent steps need to be taken to improve maintenance and cleanliness of the Academy premises and ensure better management and transparency in future literary events so the institution remains protected from exploitation by self-serving elements.
Muhammad Saeed Akhter
Rawalpindi
