Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi has said that it was a matter of great privilege for him to sit with a highly educated and distinguished literary personality like Dr. Najiba Arif, who rendered valuable services for the promotion of literature and improvement of the Academy of Letters Pakistan (PAL).
He expressed these views while addressing a farewell ceremony held in honour of Dr. Najiba Arif, the outgoing Chairperson of the Academy of Letters Pakistan. The Federal Minister said that he had always made efforts to participate in the important events organized by the Academy. He also paid tribute to the late Irfan Siddiqui for his significant efforts for the preservation and promotion of the Academy of Letters. He said that Dr. Najiba Arif had further improved the performance of the Academy through various initiatives. He appreciated her efforts to continue and build upon the positive initiatives of her predecessors, saying that institutional continuity and recognition of good work help strengthen institutions and contribute to national progress. He said that her guidance and valuable advice would continue to be sought in the future.
Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani appreciated Dr. Najiba Arif’s services and said that she respected the performance and initiatives of her predecessors and made efforts to complete the projects initiated by them. He said that Dr. Najiba Arif performed her responsibilities with great honesty, dedication and commitment, adding that she possessed strong leadership qualities. He particularly appreciated her initiative, “Chai, Baatein aur Kitaabein” (Tea, Conversations and Books), saying that the programme had gained recognition across the country and requests had also been received for launching it in Quetta. He said that the Ministry would continue to benefit from her advice and guidance for further improving the performance of this important institution.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Najiba Arif said that she was happy to be leaving the institution in a positive and pleasant environment. She said that the Academy had always been led by capable individuals and expressed confidence that future heads would also take the institution forward in a positive manner.
Dr. Najiba Arif said that she had tried to serve the institution to the best of her ability and particularly endeavoured to set an example for other women so that they could also effectively serve in administrative positions. Despite limited resources, she said, several initiatives were undertaken and efforts were made to utilize the available budget with utmost honesty and transparency. She said new initiatives were introduced to promote emerging writers and poets and encourage young literary talent.
She said that during her tenure she observed a strong spirit of patriotism among writers, poets and the people of Balochistan and stressed the need to encourage them. She also highlighted the organization of the first-ever literary conference in Skardu. Dr. Najiba Arif appreciated the coordination and consultation between Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, saying that their mutual cooperation had helped make the performance of the Ministry and its attached institutions more effective.
Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Ayub Jamali said that Dr. Najiba Arif had always extended her cooperation and maintained positive institutional relations. Former Director General Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) Aman Ullah said that she had worked with dedication to improve the performance of the Academy.
Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Waqas Salim expressed his best wishes for Dr. Najiba Arif and appreciated her courteous and effective manner of communication. Director General National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said that Dr. Najiba Arif was an accomplished poet and writer who had also carried out significant work on Seerat. He noted that she was the first woman Chairperson of the Academy of Letters Pakistan and described the appointment as a positive step.
Joint Secretary Syeda Tanzeela and Samreen Zahra also appreciated Dr. Najiba Arif’s services and said they had enjoyed a positive working relationship with her. Writers and officials who worked with her also paid tribute to her services, saying that institutional activities continued smoothly during her tenure without disruption.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, gifts were presented to Dr. Najiba Arif in recognition of her services. Her birthday was also celebrated on the occasion, with a cake-cutting ceremony
