Minister vows to organise literary conference

Jamal Shah stresses significance of juvenile literature for intellect enhancement

ISLAMABAD:

Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah, has said that the national-level literary conference on linguistics and folk literature, aiming to promote literature and folk literary heritage, will be organised soon.

Shah said the conference would offer a platform for regional literary academies from across the country and academicians to present and discuss the languages, cultures, and literature.

The minister also stressed the importance of facilitating children with local literature and storytelling to arise their interest in reading for enhancement of their intellectual calibre.

“The juvenile literature plays a crucial part in education, providing both knowledge and entertainment,” the caretaker minister made these remarks during his visit to the National Library of Pakistan (NLP) and the Department of Museum and Archaeology (DOAM) to review the working and performance of the attached departments of the division.

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On the occasion, NLP Director General Asif Iqbal Khan gave a detailed overview of the history, functioning, performance and plans of the NLP.

The interim minister underscored that proper ramps should be established for the facilitation of differently-abled persons at the national library. He said his division would adopt all measures to equip the library with modern facilities.

Later, the federal minister presided over a meeting to review the progress of various projects of DOAM. National Heritage and Culture Secretary, Humaira Ahmed, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

DOAM Director General Dr Azeem Khan briefed Shah about all matters about the DOAM, archaeological sites, various projects, initiatives and current matters.

The federal minister said Takht-i-Bahi, which is an ancient Buddhist monastery and one of the most important world heritage sites, is extremely significant for its integrity, a unique state of conservation and for its antiquity.

He said he would especially consult with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for a joint venture programme for the promotion and preservation of the Takht-i-Bahi site.

He added that he would also hold a meeting with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for the cultural sites being maintained by the civic body.

“All the cultural and archaeological sites should be maintained and preserved by National Heritage and Culture Division,” he suggested.

Shah said only the promotion of national heritage and culture among the people can prevent the society from social ills, hatred and intolerance and can bring peace and stability.

Earlier, the DOAM officials informed the participants of the meeting that 38 archaeological sites and monuments have been identified in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2023.