ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: The federal culture ministry has approved a pension scheme along with other benefits for the staff of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The ministry secretary, Jaleel Abbas, announced the decision, while speaking at a get-together attended by the officers and officials of the ministry and the PNCA.

The function was arranged with a view to building up meaningful rapport among the two bodies for yet more efficient and prompt accomplishments of the given targets.

Mr Abbas appreciated the role of PNCA had played in the promotion of national heritage and the arts at home and abroad.

He said the persons attached with such institutions should feel elated being the custodians of nation’s cultural heritage and responsible for its development and promotion. He expressed satisfaction over the PNCA’s endeavours for promoting soft image of Pakistan abroad. He hoped that the council would maintain its present pace of activities in times to come.

Earlier, PNCA Director-General Naeem Tahir briefed the secretary on the progress made by the council with special reference to the construction of National Art Gallery complex in the capital.

The gallery would house over 18 sub-galleries, display areas, research and reference corners, current exhibition hall, master artists’ galleries and also a theatrical auditorium equipped with the most sophisticated and modern gadgets and accessories required for any performance of international standard.