ISLAMABAD - As a result of another political move, the name of Fukhar Zaman, ex-minister of PPP, is being considered for the slot of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) chairmanship, TheNation has learnt reliably here on Thursday. "The ruling party wants to replace Iftikhar Arif with another literary figure belonging to PPP. The name of former minister of PPP Fukhar Zaman is being considered for the chairmanship of PAL," sources within government on condition of anonymity informed. Fukhar Zaman has already worked as chairman of PAL. He has been awarded the 'Hilal-e-Imtiaz', the highest Pakistani literary award, for his unparalleled contribution to Punjabi literature and culture. The Indian government also honoured him with the highest award 'Shiramani Sahitya Award' in recognition of his contribution to Punjabi literature. Iftikhar Hussain Arif commonly known, as Iftikhar Arif, has been working as Chairman of PAL since 2000. During his tenure record number of books, literary journals and publications in all national and regional languages were published by the Academy.  He has headed Muqtadra Quami Zaban, the National Language Authority. Arif's poetry has been translated into a number of languages, including English, Russian, German, Persian, Hindi and Bhasha. He has been decorated with Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Presidential Pride of Performance, highest literary awards by Government of Pakistan.