ISLAMABAD - The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage demanded the list of employees who are working in the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) province-wise.
The committee suggested the PAL for establishment of its Board of Governors at the earliest, increase monthly stipend of writers from Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 and take necessary steps for promoting literature in the country.
The meeting was chaired by MNA Marvi Memon, Chairperson of the Standing Committee. Members Committee Tahir Iqbal Chaudhary, Muhammad Tallal Chaudry, Parveen Masood Bhatti, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Syed Amir Ali Shah Jamote, Imran Zafar Leghari and Naeema Kishwer Khan also attended the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by the senior Officers of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage and its attached departments.
The standing committee was briefed on the working and performance of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) and the Federal Department of Archaeology and Museum attached department of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage. The committee also recommended introduction of e-books instead publication of books.
The DG Federal Department of Archaeology and Museum told the committee that after 18th Amendment the cabinet issued a notification which stated that among others retained under federal level functions i.e. the Archaeology, National Museums and Historical Monuments declared to be of national importance and the federal agency which performs these functions i.e. the Department of Archaeology and Museums.
However, he said the notification of the Cabinet was not implemented yet. The committee directed the Ministry to resolve this issue in consultation with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights in accordance with the notification as soon as possible.