Rabbani suggests highest civil award for Manto
"The 100th birth anniversary of Manto was observed today. For his literary works, he had not only earned fame within Pakistan but also in international community," Rabbani said while speaking on a point of order.
In times of chaos and polarisation, Rabbani said that paying respect to literary figures could help improve the situation.
Rabbani recalled that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had established the Pakistan Academy of Letters that had been patronising literary figures however, its role has diminished recently.
The senator further said that the intellectual renaissance that started during Bhutto's period, was needed today.
Rabbani added that a lot of people have been awarded in the past, though some of them did not deserve it. But Manto, he said, has not been honoured with such an award despite his remarkable literary services.
He further requested Chairman Nayyar Hussain Bokhari to forward his suggestion to the President.
Later, Leader of the House Jahangir Badar was asked to consider the proposal, who also supported the idea.
COMMENTS (5)
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too late too good, achi bat he aur Zardari sahab zaroor denge becaz Manto deserve it.
i doubt he would have accepte the award from such a filthy govt. given the values and morals he lived by.
Thanks God, at last this outstanding person Manto has been recognized. He deserves this award. Late but not too much late.
And after suggesting this, he is answerable only to the parliment
Thanks for doing the right thing. Manto deserves this honor for his fairness, secularism and truthfulness, a rarity in today's Pakistan. Just be careful the mullah/military/judiciary rightwing alliance would not like that at all. The suo motu might come to haunt you like the other PPP leaders!