Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Wednesday said that the government is taking serious measures for the welfare of writers and promotion of literature, emphasizing that writers and intellectuals play a vital role in providing intellectual guidance to society.
He was addressing the opening ceremony of the third ‘Generation Next Literary Festival’, organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), National Heritage and Culture Division, at the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Auditorium here.
The federal minister said young people, particularly young women, were the bright future of the nation and assured that the government would continue its full support for the promotion and development of literature through the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
Appreciating the three-year performance of PAL Chairperson Prof. Dr. Najiba Arif, the Minister expressed his desire for her to continue her association with the Academy for another three years.
He said that wherever his responsibilities lay, he would remain available to support writers, intellectuals and young people.
The minister also shared memories of his student life with the young participants attending the festival from different parts of the country.
The event was attended by Nosheen Iftikhar, Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, as Guest of Honour. Renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif and celebrated columnist, journalist, dramatist and writer Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi delivered keynote addresses.
Welcoming the participants, Chairperson Pakistan Academy of Letters, Prof. Dr. Najiba Arif said that the ‘Generation Next Literary Festival’ was not merely a literary event but an effective platform connecting young people with creative expression, intellectual dialogue and literary activities.
She said the festival provided an opportunity for young people from different regions of Pakistan to engage in dialogue, develop harmony and promote intellectual exchange.
Dr. Najiba Arif highlighted the literary activities undertaken by the Academy during her three-year tenure as Chairperson, as well as its 50-year institutional journey.
She particularly mentioned initiatives including the establishment of a museum for Pakistan’s lesser-known and remote languages, addition of two new awards to the annual national awards, installation of a lift at the Academy’s main building, a 10-day residential programme and the launch of the weekly unconventional literary session ‘Tea, Talks and Books. ‘
She said her efforts had remained focused on making the Pakistan Academy of Letters a more active and effective literary institution.
Addressing the gathering, renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif described the third ‘Generation Next Literary Festival’ as a meaningful platform for creativity, thought and dialogue rather than merely a formal literary activity.
He appreciated the literary services of the Pakistan Academy of Letters under the leadership of Dr. Najiba Arif.
The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of the prestigious Kamal-e-Fun Awards. The 2023 Kamal-e-Fun Award was presented to renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif in recognition of his outstanding literary contributions and lifelong services to literature.
The 2024 Kamal-e-Fun Award was presented to renowned columnist, journalist, dramatist and writer Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi, while the 2025 Kamal-e-Fun Award, conferred upon renowned Brahui writer and poet Dr. Abdul Rehman Brahui, was received on his behalf by Panah Baloch.
The ceremony commenced with a flag-hoisting ceremony and the national anthem. A cake was also cut in connection with Independence Day celebrations, followed by the unveiling of portraits of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The programme also included recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Rasool Maqbool (PBUH).
The ceremony was conducted by Sultan Nasir. On the occasion, Dr. Najiba Arif also presented guests with a book containing a report on the performance and achievements of her three-year tenure as Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
The three-day ‘Generation Next Literary Festival’ brings together selected young writers and literary enthusiasts from across Pakistan, with certificates to be awarded to young participants demonstrating outstanding performance at the conclusion of the festival.
