He informed that on the directives of Prime Minster, a number of steps had been taken to nurture literary culture and norms in the country, adding on his request, the PM had increased endowment fund for welfare of literary people from Rs 300 million to Rs 500 million. More than 1,000 literary figures, scholars, university faculty members, students and people from different walks of life were attending the forth International Conference, being organised by Pakistan Academy of Letters from January 5 to January 8.
Intellectuals from Afghanistan, Iran, Singapore, the Maldives, Finland, Azerbaijan, China, Omen, Nepal, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and various other countries besides representatives from all provinces and regions of the country were attending the conference.
Irfan Siddiqui said they had increased the accidental death grant for literary figures from Rs. 2,00,000 to one million while the health cover had been increased from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. The Advisor to PM informed that they had also increased number of scholarship for literary people from 500 to 1000 while the monthly stipend from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 13,000.
He stated that a television programme had also been launched to give voice to literary issues among the hard core problems related politics, economics and other current affairs. Irfan Siddiqui also stated that the government had also planned to support writers who could not have resources to publish their literary writing. For the purpose, he added, a committee would be formed which would analyze the transcript and take decision to publish it on government funding.
He urged artist community to feel free for taking onboard their genuine issues so that a possible solution may be worked out in less possible time. He said it was time to focus on nurturing intellectual-health of younger generation through producing quality literature and apprising them with the achievements of national heroes in various walks of life. The concluding session of the conference would be held on Sunday, followed by a `Sufi Night' organised at National Library to entertain honourable guests with music.