Endowment fund to support writers

Information minister wants reading habits among children promoted

ISLAMABAD: The Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Syed Ali Zafar on Thursday gave approval for the constitution of a five-member executive committee for managing Rs500 million endowment fund to promote literary activities and support deserving writers.

The endowment fund was established by the former PML-N government meant for promoting literary activities and providing financial security to local writers.

The approval came after a high level meeting held here at the National History and Literary Heritage Division.
The executive committee is to be headed by Federal Secretary for National History and Literary Heritage Engr Aamir Hassan. Meanwhile, senior journalists Hameed Haroon, Ijaz Rahim, Dr Ashraf and renowned writer Musharraf Ali Farooqui would be its members with task to ensure transparency in distribution of funds.

Moreover, the executive committee will also plan, supervise and release funds for carrying out activities for promoting national heritage.

Ali said that a special programme at national level would be planned for developing good book reading habits among children. He was of the view that there has been a significant decline in book reading habits among children which obviously is not a good sign.

“There is a need to adopt some interesting methods for encouraging and promoting book reading habits among children,” he said, adding that in this regard support of well-known writers would be taken who would read out books to children in a motivating manner.

Through endowment fund the government will also provide financial assistance to deserving writers and people associated with literature and promote national heritage.
The minister said that a plan would be chalked out under which literary activities would be undertaken across the country.

During the meeting it was announced that a two-day book festival will be held in Murree.