The government has announced to observe the current year as the year of "Zarb-e-Qalam" to eliminate extremism and promote harmony in the society. Â
Addressing a function in Islamabad on Saturday, Adviser to Prime Minister for National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui said intellectuals and writers have a role to play to discourage the extremist trends.
Irfan Siddiqui said the government has taken various steps to promote literary activities in the country. The Prime Minister has recently announced five hundred million rupees for the purpose.
He said stipend for writers has been enhanced from five thousand to thirteen thousand rupees. "Intizaar Hussain" Award has also been instituted to be given a writer annually.
The Advisor said the national and local languages awards are being increased from thirteen to twenty.
