Provincial Literary Awards ceremony honors writers in five languages
A grand ceremony of the Allama Iqbal Provincial Literary Awards, organized by the Culture Department, was held in Quetta to honor distinguished writers, poets, and researchers. The event was formally inaugurated by the Secretary Culture, while the concluding session was graced by Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani as chief guest.
Addressing the ceremony, Raheela Durrani said that a deep connection with knowledge and literature, and attachment to books, is the soul of any vibrant and awakened society. She described writers, researchers, and poets as a great intellectual and national asset whose contributions provide direction and awareness to society.
During the ceremony, nearly 70 eminent literary figures were awarded for their outstanding contributions in Urdu, Pashto, Balochi, Brahui, and Hazaragi languages across genres including prose, poetry, novel writing, research, and composition.
Congratulating the award recipients, the Minister paid rich tribute to their services and stressed that while adapting to the demands of the digital age is essential, the importance of books cannot be overlooked. She emphasized the need to encourage the younger generation towards reading and study alongside digital engagement, to ensure their intellectual and moral development on strong foundations.
Raheela Durrani further noted that literature created in diverse regional languages reflects unity, peace, and cultural diversity. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue supporting writers, poets, and authors so that the journey of knowledge and literature progresses with greater strength.
She appreciated the efforts of the Culture Department and organizers for successfully holding the prestigious event, assuring that the provincial government will continue to provide resources for the promotion of educational and literary environments in Balochistan.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of writers, intellectuals, poets, and literature enthusiasts.