"Eliminating social inequality is only possible through literature and books, while technology plays a key role in literary promotion. — Senator Pervaiz Rashid"
"Intellectual depth and critical thinking are essential in literature; only literature rooted in social realities shapes societal consciousness. — Kishwar Naheed"
"Bringing suburban and regional literature into the national mainstream is the fundamental goal of Pakistan Academy of Letters. — Dr. Najeeba Arif"
The closing ceremony of the 2nd Inter-Provincial Residential Program for Writers was held on January 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Sheikh Ayaz Conference Hall, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad. The program was organized under the National Heritage and Culture Division.
The session was presided over by renowned poetess Kishwar Naheed, with Senator Pervaiz Rashid as co-chair. Dr. Maqsood Jafri, Jabbar Mirza, Imdad Akash, and Saeed Akhtar Malik attended as special guests. Rahman Hafeez served as the moderator.
The ceremony began with recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Abdul Shakoor, followed by a Naat in Brahui by Shahzad Sultan Baloch.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid emphasized that eliminating social inequality based on gender and belief is only possible through books and literature. He stressed that writers and poets can promote tolerance, harmony, and human values through their creative expression. He also highlighted the importance of technology and social media in broadening the reach of literature, suggesting that PAL's literary events should be streamed online to reach youth and writers in remote areas.
Kishwar Naheed stressed the importance of depth, intellectual maturity, and social truth in literature, stating that literature rooted in the social realities of its time plays a key role in shaping societal consciousness.
Jabbar Mirza remarked that one should continue learning until their last breath, as knowledge, reading, and experience are the real sources of intellectual growth.
Saeed Akhtar Malik praised the transparency, quality, and arrangements of the Inter-Provincial Residential Program, while Imdad Akash called it an effective and exemplary initiative for promoting intellectual dialogue, national unity, and cultural harmony among writers.
Participants from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir shared their experiences and impressions from the ten-day program.
Chairperson Dr. Najeeba Arif, in her closing address, praised the dedication and literary interest of the participants. She stated that bringing suburban and regional literature into the national mainstream is the fundamental goal of PAL. She also announced plans for a World Literary Conference in April 2026.
PAL publications and honorary certificates were distributed to all participants at the conclusion of the ceremony.
