Government announces ‘Intizar Hussain Literary Award’

Islamabad: The government on Tuesday announced the annual ‘Intizar Hussain Literary Award’ as an acknowledgement for the literary services of renowned fiction writer.

Addressing a condolence reference here at Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Advisor to the Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui who was the chief guest on the occasion said that ‘Intizar Hussain Literary Award’ would be given annually to the literary personalities over their outstanding literary contributions.

He said that Intizar Hussain was an excellent writer and the gap in the literary world could not be filled after his death. He said that it takes centuries to take rebirth of such a marvellous writer like Intizar Hussain.

Paying glowing tribute to late Intizar Hussain Siddiqui said that sub continent produced renowned fiction writers but Intizar Hussain was prominent among all.Other speakers paid glowing tribute to the renowned Intizar Hussain during the reference.He was being recalled for his versatile writing and contribution to literature which also has global standing.

Earlier, special prayers were offered for the departed soul of renowned fiction writer, Intizar Hussain.Prominent literary personalities including Chairman of state run television channel Ata ul Haq Qasmi, Kishwar Naheed, Fateh Muhammad Malik relatives and friends of Intizar Hussain, Prof Jaleel Aali, Prof. Dr Ihsan Akbar, Director General, National Language Promotion Department, Prof. Qaisra Alvi, Managing Director, National Book Foundation (NBF) Prof. Dr Inam ul Haq Javeid and Director General, PAL, Dr Rashid Hameed also attended the condolence reference.

Earlier, PAL Chairman Prof. Dr Muhammad Qasim Bughio welcomed the participants and paid rich tributes to the literary services of Intizar Hussain.It is pertinent to mention that veteran Urdu novelist and Urdu fiction writer Intizar Husssain passed away at the age of 92 on February 2. He was known for his versatile approach in fiction writing and his novel ‘Basti’ published in 1979 was based on the background of violence of the partition of 1947 that led to the making of two dominions, Pakistan and India that brought him acclaim.