The National Literary Award was launched in the year 1401 Hijrī (i.e. 1981 AD). Initially, these awards were presented at the end of the Hijrī year, but since 1998, they are being awarded at the conclusion of the Gregorian calendar year. These awards are given to the best books of the year in various categories/languages. The best book of each category/language is decided by a three-member jury consisting of eminent writers of the respective field. Initially, these awards were presented on books in Urdu, English, Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Balochi and Saraiki. Except Urdu, there was one award for each language, covering the entire literature of the respective language and the prize money was forty thousand rupees. This amount has been increasing from time to time. Presently, the amount of each award is two lac rupees and separate awards are given for poetry and prose books in 9 Pakistani languages. Also, an award is given to the best book of translation.