LAHORE: Punjabi writers and activists, in a meeting of Punjabi Sangat Pakistan, on Saturday criticised the Punjab government and its departments concerned for ignoring Punjabi literary icons while celebrating the award of the title of City of Literature to Lahore by Unesco.

They also criticised Special Assistant to CM Firdous Ashiq Awan for, what they called, speaking against Punjab during a press conference.

The meeting held at the Punjab Institute of Art and Culture (Pilac) included Punjabi writers like Iqbal Qaisar, Afzal Saahir, Yousaf Punjabi, Naseer Ahmed, G.A. Najam, Afzal Aajiz and Chand Shakeel.

In a statement, the Sangat expressed concerns over the government which ignored Punjabi icons of literature like Shah Hussain and Ustad Daman on the banners and advertisements while celebrating the title of the City of Literature for Lahore.

It said that when the issue was raised with SACM during a press conference she gave ‘derogatory remarks’ about Punjab.

They said those who were against the Punjabi culture, literature and identity had no right to rule Punjab.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2021