ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has affirmed that the government will not pursue the closure or merger of national institutions dedicated to academia, literature, history, or culture. Instead, the government aims to enhance these institutions’ effectiveness and productivity to foster a society free from extremism and promote Pakistan’s soft image globally.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a meeting with Senator Irfan Siddiqui, the Parliamentary Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Upper House, on Tuesday. Senator Siddiqui conveyed the concerns of intellectuals, writers, poets, and artists regarding the recommendations from the government’s rightsizing committee that suggested potential shutdowns or mergers of scholarly institutions.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of knowledge and literature, describing them as the essence of society. He highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage as a source of national pride. The Prime Minister assured that the government is committed to strengthening these institutions to ensure they contribute positively to society.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that societies neglecting knowledge and the arts risk becoming overly mechanical and losing touch with human emotions. To address this, he announced plans to establish a committee focused on improving the management and performance of these institutions. The committee’s goal will be to broaden the institutions’ scope and mandate, aligning them with contemporary needs.

Senator Siddiqui thanked the Prime Minister for his decisive stance, recalling the attention given to these institutions during former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, which was well-received by various societal sectors.

The government’s commitment represents a strategic shift towards nurturing Pakistan’s literary and cultural landscape, safeguarding it against potential downsizing or amalgamation.