Islamabad (PR): A ceremony to unveil a special commemorative postage stamp marking the completion of fifty years of the Pakistan Academy of Letters was held on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at the Sheikh Ayaz Conference Hall of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad. The event was attended by the Chairperson of the Academy, Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif, former heads of the Academy including Iftikhar Arif, Abdul Hameed, Professor Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio, and Professor Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javed, along with a large number of distinguished writers, poets, intellectuals, and literary figures.

The chief guest was Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division. On this occasion, accompanied by prominent literary personalities from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, he formally unveiled the commemorative postage stamp celebrating the Academy’s fifty-year literary journey. A brief session followed the unveiling ceremony.

The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Renowned Naat reciter Aqdas Hashmi presented a Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), followed by the national anthem. Former presidents of the Academy and other distinguished guests then shared their views.

In her welcome address, Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif reviewed the Academy’s fifty-year journey and achievements, stating that the institution had played a vital role in promoting national languages and Pakistani literature. She paid tribute to the services of former heads of the Academy and emphasized that literature serves as an effective means of fostering national unity, intellectual harmony, and cultural connections. She also highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the inter-provincial residency program, financial assistance for deserving writers, support for regional literary institutions, monthly stipends, provincial conferences, renovation of the Academy’s museum, establishment of a language museum, preservation of manuscripts, and other development projects.

Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi praised the Academy’s contributions and assured participants that government funding for the institution would continue without interruption. He noted that the proposed international conference planned for the Academy’s golden jubilee had been postponed due to international circumstances but would be organized once conditions improved. He also mentioned a proposal to increase the monthly honorarium for deserving writers from Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 25,000 and expressed hope that it would be implemented in the upcoming budget. Furthermore, he assured support for addressing staff shortages and resolving employees’ concerns.

Guest of Honor Dr. Asghar Nadeem Syed commended the Academy’s significant and effective literary role. He drew the minister’s attention to the fact that the Academy’s writers’ exchange program with several friendly countries, once conducted regularly, had remained suspended for some time. He stressed the need to revive this important initiative.

Former Chairman Iftikhar Arif stated that the Pakistan Academy of Letters has provided writers of different languages with a common national platform and that the institution stands alongside literary organizations in developed countries.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio described the Academy as a key institution of Pakistan’s literary identity and praised its research, publication, and translation services. Professor Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javed remarked that over the past five decades, the Academy had played a prominent role in promoting literature and culture and in connecting younger generations with literary traditions.

The speakers unanimously agreed that increasing human resources and expanding the scope of literary activities are essential for the Academy’s further growth and effectiveness.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif once again thanked the chief guest and other distinguished participants and presented them with commemorative gifts featuring the special postage stamp.