PESHAWAR, March 27: NWFP Chief Minister Mohammad Akram Khan Durrani said on Sunday that Pushto would be made the medium of instruction in primary schools in areas of the province where majority of the people spoke the language. Speaking at a three-day World Pushto Literary Convention, which opened at Nishtar Hall, the chief minister said a Pukhtun Culture Centre would be established in the provincial capital.

He said a meeting of academicians and writers would be called soon to discuss the issue of making Pushto the medium of instruction.

He regretted that his government had not done anything for the promotion of Pushto language and literature.

He asked writers to play their role for creating awareness about Pukhtun and Islamic traditions.

He gave gold medals to writers and intellectuals Naureen Shama, Nasima, Dr Raj Wali Shah Khattak, Saeed Gauhar and Sardar Ali Takar for their contribution.

Salim Bangash, presenting the welcome address, said the Pushto Adabi Chaman Tal had invited Pukhtun writers and intellectuals to the convention to discuss different literary issues.

Nationalist leader Ajmal Khattak and Afghan scholar Abdullah Bakhtaney opened the first session. Mr Khattak urged the Pukhtuns to unite and called upon writers to spread the message of love and harmony.

Mr Bakhtaney read a message of the Kabul Academy.

NWFP Governor Commander Khalil, in his message, underscored the need for substantive research work on Pushto language and literature. Salim Raz said Pukhtun writers should take up political issues, like the Kalabagh Dam. He criticized the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal government for banning cultural activities in the Nishtar Hall.