Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, during his visit to the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), emphasized the need to promote Pakistan’s national language, literature, and intellectual heritage at the international level.

According to Press Information Department, the Federal Minister congratulated Executive Director NLPD Dr. Rashid Hameed on the inclusion of five textbooks authored by him in the academic curriculum and appreciated his scholarly, literary, research and teaching contributions. He expressed satisfaction over the performance of the institution and directed authorities to effectively showcase the scholarly and research work of the NLPD both nationally and internationally, to enhance understanding of the institution’s role in promoting Pakistan’s languages and literature.

Minister Khichi proposed that important books published in Urdu should be translated into other languages and exhibited internationally, particularly in Central Asian countries. He also emphasized the display of books on the history and culture of Central Asian countries that have been translated into Urdu at such exhibitions. Books covering Pakistan’s culture, history, and civilization, translated into Russian, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, and Persian, should also be promoted as part of Pakistan’s cultural outreach.

The Minister suggested various proposals for improving the institution’s effectiveness and highlighted the need to adopt modern measures for promoting the national language and literature. He commended Dr. Rashid Hameed’s contributions, particularly his textbooks published under the Punjab Textbook Board, which are now part of the curriculum.

Dr. Rashid Hameed’s achievements include the publication of Urdu textbooks on Pakistan Studies for Grades 10 and 12, along with their English translations. His Grade 8 History textbook has been part of the curriculum since 2022. Director General of the NLPD, Dr. Mazhar Saleem, was also present, and both he and Dr. Hameed presented the Federal Minister with books published by the institution.

The Federal Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting Pakistan’s national language, literature, history, and cultural heritage globally.