PESHAWAR, Aug 2: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that Pushto Academy would be revamped, and facilities would be provided to those who want to familiarize themselves with the Pushto literature, culture and history.

Addressing a well-attended gathering after the launch of the new Website and Pushto Language Laboratory at the Pushto Academy on Friday morning the governor said that the academy should initiate academic activities alongside its research and publication responsibilities.

Pointing towards the Afghan scenario in the backdrop of reconstruction and rehabilitation activities there, the governor remarked that learning Pashto had become an necessity.

Therefore, he added, the importance of this institution has also increased manifolds. He also referred to his previous visit to the academy and said that significant progress has been made in materializing the ideas floated at the time.

The creation of website and establishment of the language laboratory of its own is also an encouraging step, he added.

He said, computers, Internet, and websites have become indispensable for rapid development of any educational, literary and research institution.

The governor also urged that the academy should not only award prizes for the best Pushto books annually but also arrange seminars and symposiums on the life and achievements of the well known figures.

The governor also announced a grant of Rs1 million for the academy and promised that such support would continue.