ISLAMABAD, Sep 24 (APP):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday lauded the contribution of outgoing Chairperson Academy of Letters Pakistan (PAL) Dr Najiba Arif to the promotion of literature and strengthening of the country’s premier literary institution. Addressing a farewell ceremony held in her honour, the federal minister said Dr Najiba Arif had rendered valuable services for improving the functioning of the Academy and promoting literary …
Khichi lauds Dr Najiba Arif’s contribution to PAL
ISLAMABAD, Sep 24 (APP):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday lauded the contribution of outgoing Chairperson Academy of Letters Pakistan (PAL) Dr Najiba Arif to the promotion of literature and strengthening of the country’s premier literary institution.
Addressing a farewell ceremony held in her honour, the federal minister said Dr Najiba Arif had rendered valuable services for improving the functioning of the Academy and promoting literary activities across the country.
He said it was a matter of great privilege to work with a highly educated and distinguished literary personality like Dr. Najiba Arif, adding that he had made efforts to attend important events organized by the Academy.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi also paid tribute to late Irfan Siddiqui for his significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
He said Dr Najiba Arif had taken forward the positive initiatives of her predecessors and introduced further measures to improve the performance of the institution.
He emphasized that institutional continuity and acknowledgement of good work were essential for strengthening institutions and contributing to national progress.
The minister said Dr Najiba Arif’s guidance and valuable advice would continue to be sought in the future.
Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani appreciated Dr Najiba Arif’s dedicated services, saying she had respected the work of her predecessors and made efforts to complete projects initiated by them.
He said she discharged her responsibilities with honesty, dedication and commitment and demonstrated strong leadership qualities.
He particularly appreciated her initiative “Chai, Baatein aur Kitaabein”, saying the programme had gained recognition across the country and requests had also been received for its launch in Quetta.
He said the Ministry would continue to benefit from her advice and guidance for further improving the performance of the Academy.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Najiba Arif said she was pleased to leave the institution in a positive and pleasant environment.
She said the academy had always been headed by capable individuals and expressed confidence that its future leadership would continue to take the institution forward.
Dr Najiba Arif said she had tried to serve the Academy to the best of her ability and particularly sought to set an example for women to effectively serve in administrative positions.
She said that despite limited resources, several initiatives were undertaken and efforts were made to utilize the available budget with honesty and transparency. New initiatives were also introduced to promote emerging writers and poets and encourage young literary talent.
Recalling her experience during her tenure, Dr. Najiba Arif said she had witnessed a strong spirit of patriotism among writers, poets and people of Balochistan and stressed the need to encourage them. She also highlighted the organization of the first-ever literary conference in Skardu.
She appreciated the coordination and consultation between Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, saying their cooperation had helped make the Ministry and its attached institutions more effective.
Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Ayub Jamali said Dr Najiba Arif had always extended her cooperation and maintained positive institutional relations.
Former Director General Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) Aman Ullah said she had worked with dedication to improve the Academy’s performance.
Executive Director Lok Virsa, Dr Waqas Salim expressed his best wishes for Dr Najiba Arif and appreciated her courteous and effective communication.
Director General National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar described Dr Najiba Arif as an accomplished poet and writer who had also carried out significant work on Seerat.
He noted that she was the first woman Chairperson of the Academy of Letters Pakistan and described her appointment as a positive step.
Joint Secretary Syeda Tanzeela and Samreen Zahra also appreciated Dr Najiba Arif’s services and recalled their positive working relationship with her.
Writers and officials associated with the Academy also paid tribute to her services, saying that institutional activities continued smoothly during her tenure without disruption.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, gifts were presented to Dr Najiba Arif in recognition of her services. Her birthday was also celebrated during the event with a cake-cutting ceremony.
