Govt to make every effort to preserve literary, cultural heritage: Shafqat

ISLAMABAD, Sep 5 (APP):Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood on Wednesday said the work of poets and literary figures reflected eras of civilization and the government would make every endeavour to preserve the country’s literary and cultural heritage.
Addressing a reference held here in the memory of renowned poet Ahmad Faraz, the minister said poets and writers portrayed the true image of their country to the world.
The reference organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), was presided over by Minister Shafqat Mahmood while Leader of the House in Senate Shibli Faraz, the son of Ahmad Faraz, was the chief guest. Renowned writers Iftekhar Arif and Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik also spoke on the occasion. A large number of people attended the event.
Shedding light on the life of Ahmad Faraz, the minister said every decade produced many writers but only few of them were remembered forever for their work and Faraz was one of them.
He said the literary figures like Faraz presented their inner feelings in beautiful words and spoke the truth without any fear.
He recalled that he had met Ahmad Faraz first time in 1973. Besides a good poet, Faraz was a good human being, he added.
Shafqat Mahmood said the government would fulfill its responsibility by making all out efforts for the development of literature. All the literary institutions in the country would be made functional, he added.
Preserving the national heritage was a difficult task but they had the passion and will to achieve the target, he added.
Earlier, in his address Senator Shibli Faraz said the literary sector had been in a shambles for many decades. Literary institutions across the country had become dysfunctional, and required the incumbent government’s attention for their revival, he added.
He suggested that the literary institutions should be linked with the educational ones so that the next generation could be made aware of the eminent personalities and their vision.
Iftekhar Arif and Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik also shared their memories about Ahmad Faraz with the audience.