The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture has intensified efforts to revitalize key cultural institutions, following strong endorsement and support from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Federal Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb Khichi chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad, bringing together heads and senior officials from related departments to review progress, address existing challenges, and outline future strategies aimed at enhancing the overall performance and global visibility of these institutions.
Minister Khichi stated that Prime Minister Sharif’s firm commitment towards preserving Pakistan’s heritage, culture, history, and literature has ensured the survival and strengthening of the affiliated institutions, reversing any previous considerations for their dissolution. “Now it is our responsibility to deliver meaningful results,” Minister Khichi emphasized. He highlighted that these organizations act as the custodians of national identity and culture, stressing that their functions transcend profit-making objectives. Rather, they deserve ongoing investment and attention.
As part of modernization strategies, Minister Khichi invited suggestions to upgrade institutions still functioning with old administrative systems. He specifically underscored the necessity of making institutions like the Iqbal Academy, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), and Quaid-e-Azam Academy more dynamic and visible. Additionally, the Minister emphasized the importance of translating poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal’s literature into Bengali and other international languages, noting that this would significantly enhance the global dissemination of Iqbal’s philosophical messages.
Providing an update on current projects, Iqbal Academy representative Dr. Rauf Rafiqui informed that approximately 89 books by Allama Iqbal have been translated, and 56 publications completed with consistent Ministry support. He proposed establishing an “Iqbal Academy Museum” to safeguard important research and literary publications related to Iqbal, revealing that groundwork has already begun. Minister Khichi strongly supported this proposal and confirmed concrete measures would be taken, including relocating the Academy to Islamabad in order to boost tourist engagement.
Meanwhile, Najiba Arif from Pakistan Academy of Letters detailed ongoing efforts aimed at resolving pending promotion issues. Similarly, Director General NLPD Dr. Saleem Mazhar confirmed the completion of promotion procedures in his department. Dr. Mazhar further highlighted the urgency of integrating advanced technological infrastructure into the NLPD, a goal requiring the Finance Ministry’s approval, to which Minister Khichi pledged his full support.
From the Department of Archaeology, Director General Amanullah reported active measures toward organizing formal audits and implementing improvements across the institution. Responding promptly, Minister Khichi directed Amanullah to initiate new projects that would further boost the department’s efficiency and impact.
Additionally, NLPD’s Dr. Saleem Mazhar announced the completion of translations of books written by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and China. These translated editions will be presented as official state gifts during upcoming official visits to Pakistan, highlighting diplomatic and cultural ties.
To inform and engage the public about these institutions’ valuable roles and activities, Minister Khichi announced a series of awareness programs set to be launched in major cities, particularly provincial capitals. He directed prompt action to fill personnel vacancies caused by recent retirements, ensuring seamless administrative operations within all departments under the Ministry.
