Prominent writer and intellectuals and literary organisations of the twin cities have expressed concern over the suspension of monthly honorarium to the families of deceased writers and intellectuals. In a meeting on Friday, they also urged the government to hand over the charge of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) back to the Cabinet Division, said a press release issued by PAL on Friday.
The academy was affiliated with the Ministry of Education previously. However it was handed over to the Cabinet Division after the devolution of the ministry. The writers and intellectuals welcomed the decision as according to them, Cabinet Division is operating under the prime minister. The prime minister increased the monthly honorarium for the families of writers and intellectuals from Rs2,000 to Rs5,000. But soon, the organisation was handed over to Ministry of Cultural Heritage and National Harmony.
PAL, one of the premier literary organisation of the country, established by former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1976, faces an uncertain future due to lack of financial support.
They appealed to the government to put the PAL under the supervision of Cabinet Division. They also vowed to start a campaign if their demands were not met.
Another similar organisation, National Book Foundation is under the supervision of Cabinet Division.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2011.
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