Shahbaz for joint effort to end terrorism, extremism

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that country is facing the twin monsters of terrorism and extremism and joint and concerted efforts are needed to eliminate them. Addressing the second International Conference on Literature and Cultural at Alhamra Hall held under the aegis of Lahore Arts Council here on Saturday, he said that holding of an international conference for literature and culture was augured well.
He announced to increase the amount for life achievement award in the field of literature and culture from Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000. Shahbaz Sharif said that the Lahore Arts Council had given him an opportunity to meet with the renowned national and international writers and intellectuals and persons and he was feeling immense pleasure to meet them. He congratulated Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi and his entire team on the successful holding of that event.
Referring to the prevailing situation, the Chief Minister said that the country was facing serious crisis, extremism and terrorism and without curbing these menaces, Pakistan could never achieve its lost glory in the comity of nations. He said that all segments of the society would have to play their role for the elimination of terrorism and extremism but the responsibility was all the more of intellectuals, writers and the persons associated with art and culture in that regard.
He said that extremism and terrorism have caused injustice, non-judicious distribution of resources and socio-economic injustice. He said,"we will have to remove the gap between the rich and poor, ensure equal distribution of wealth and adoption of austerity in the society by analysing the factors of terrorism". The Chief Minister said, "We would have to utilise our energies for developing indigenous resources by shedding foreign aid". He said that it was the dual responsibility of writers, intellectuals and artists to heal the wounds through their writings and play their role for removing the terror from the society.
He said that prominent writers, intellectuals and the persons associated with art and culture are ambassadors of Pakistan and identity of the country and they should be encouraged. He announced life time achievement award for Abdullah Hussain in the field of Literature, Khalid Iqbal in Paintings, Muhammad Qavi Khan in Drama and Ghulam Hussain Shagan in Music. Chairman Lahore Arts Council, Ata-ul-Haq Qasmi and a large number of intellectuals and writers attended the conference.