Daily Times: October 12, 2007

LAHORE: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said on Thursday that Punjabi was so rich that its literary and poetic sayings could be compared with any literature of the world.

He was addressing an inaugural ceremony of Punjab Rang Radio (FM 95) at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture. He said the government had taken measures for the protection and promotion of Punjabi.

He said launching of the Punjab Rang Radio (FM 95) was an important step for the language’s promotion. He said nine centres were being set up for spreading the programmes of FM 95 throughout the province.

Literacy and non-formal education minister Dr Muhammad Shafiq, advisor to CM Saba Sadiq, information secretary Ashfaq Gondal and Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture director Dr Shaista Nuzhat were present on the occasion.

Elahi said the government had set up FM 95 so that people living in the far-flung areas could enjoy the transmission. He said the radio station would play an important role in educating the people about the steps taken by the government.

Elahi said a cafeteria and library have been set up for intellectuals, poets and writers in the Punjab Institute building. He said the government would take steps for the promotion of Punjabi language in the light of these intellectuals’ proposals.

He gave away shields to Syed Sibtul Hassan Zaigham, Akhtar Hussain Akhtar, Saleem Gillani, Riaz Mehmood and Ravi Dawani in recognition of their services for the promotion of Punjabi literature and language. Information secretary Ashfaq Gondal and Punjab Institute director Dr Shaista Nuzhat also spoke on the occasion.