Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Muhammad Aurangzeb Khichi, chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad today to review the performance and revitalization of key institutions operating under the Ministry. The meeting brought together heads and senior officials of affiliated organizations to assess ongoing initiatives and discuss future strategies.
The Minister said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has fully supported the Ministry’s mission to preserve Pakistan’s heritage, history, literature, and culture. “The decision to dissolve these institutions has been reversed thanks to the Prime Minister’s commitment,” said the Minister.
“Now it is our responsibility to deliver meaningful results. These institutions represent our national identity, and they are not meant for profit—they are to be invested in.”
The Minister called for suggestions to modernize institutions working on outdated systems, and stressed the need to make the roles of organizations like Iqbal Academy, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), and Quaid-e-Azam Academy more dynamic and visible. He also underlined the importance of translating the message of Allama Iqbal into Bengali and other languages to spread his philosophy globally.
During the meeting, Dr. Rauf Rafiqui from Iqbal Academy informed the participants that 89 books of Iqbal have been translated and 56 publications completed with Ministry support. He proposed the establishment of an Iqbal Academy Museum to preserve Iqbal-related research and publications, stating that initial groundwork has already been done. The Minister assured that the Ministry would take concrete steps toward this proposal and revealed that preparations are underway to relocate the Academy to Islamabad to attract more tourists.
PAL’s Najiba Arif briefed that work is ongoing to resolve pending promotions, while NLPD Director General Dr. Saleem Mazhar stated that promotion processes have been finalized. He also highlighted the need to equip departments with modern technology, a move that requires finance ministry approval. Minister Khichi assured full support in this regard.
Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Amanullah, informed that steps are being taken to conduct a formal audit, and practical measures are underway to enhance institutional performance. The Minister instructed the initiation of new projects within the department.
The NLPD DG also reported that the books authored by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and China have been translated and will be presented as official gifts during their visits to Pakistan.
To promote public engagement and highlight the role of these institutions, Minister Khichi announced that awareness programs will be held in major cities, especially provincial capitals.
He further directed that all vacant positions created due to retirements be filled on an urgent basis to ensure smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the Ministry’s departments.
