Siddiqui stresses promoting literature, young writers

Directs PAL to take steps for welfare of writers, encourage budding writers.

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui on Monday stressed the need for promoting literature and encouraging young writers.

He was addressing staff of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) after taking charge as head of the newly formed National History and Literary Heritage Division.

Siddiqui said literature and book reading culture could also help promote peace in society. “Literature promotes human dignity, tolerance, respect and brings peace, love and brotherhood in the society,” he said.

He said Pakistan had a rich literary heritage. “We are not less than any country in terms of literary work in the world,” he remarked.

Siddiqui directed the academy to take initiatives for the welfare of writers and to encourage young writers and poets. “It is very important to create opportunities for young writers and poets.

The adviser said the academy should focus on exploring ways to utilise the modern technological advancements to spread the literary work and contributions of Pakistani and Muslim poets of the Subcontinent. “The Internet can be an effective tool to transmit the literary treasure to our youth,” he added.

He also directed the academy to present him a report of financial assistance being given to writers and their families.

He also visited the writers’ cafe, writers’ house, Ahmed Faraz Library and the book shop and was briefed about the academy’s functioning by its chairman, Dr Muhammad Qasim Bhogio.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2016.