Current generation drifting away from literature: Saira Tarar

ISLAMABAD, Jan 17 (APP):Federal Minister for National Health Services Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar Wednesday said it was unfortunate that the current generation in Pakistan was drifting away from literature.
Addressing a launch ceremony of “The Mahogany Junction”, a poetry book written by Mazhar Nisar, here at Pakistan National Council of the Arts Wednesday, she said, “If we want to teach our children how important diversity and tolerance is for the society, we need to bring them towards literature.”
Ms Tarrar said culture was the only element that united the country. Artists had an important role to play in helping to diminish the war against terrorism from the country, she added.
She appreciated PNCA’s efforts and said that with the new management, “it keeps us entertained by arranging events like art exhibitions, music concerts, music festivals, film festivals and theater.”
Speaking on the occasion, PNCA Director General Syed Jamal Shah said art had the ability to engage people intimately with their surroundings. “It helps human beings evolve into productive individuals who are duly trained and sensitized to modern ideas of diversity and democratic principles which provides for the foundation of a tolerant society, a society that encourages positive dialogue.”
He applauded the efforts of the government and the writer in realizing the importance of national culture in propagating the heritage of Pakistan.
Ejaz Rahim, Haris Khaleeq, Shabnam Riaz, Dr. Maqsood Jaffry, Adnan Rehmat, and Irfan Ahmad praised the efforts and creativity of the author.