THE Pakistan Academy of Letters is playing a dynamic role in the promotion of literature in Pakistan. Functions are held on national days and in the honour of prominent writers. Muqtadra Qaumi Zaban and the Arts Council of Pakistan are also active and playing their role.

But it is amazing and disappointing that for the last 70 years, no federal government bothered to open the offices of any of the two organisations in Gilgit-Baltistan. GB has a rich culture and diversity of local languages and folklore. Balti Shina and Broshki attracted foreign writers who wrote a number of books, while research is in progress in Germany and the UK.

The prime minister should order opening of the offices of the three departments in Skardu, Gilgit and Hunza.

Shakir Shamim

Skardu

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2017