PAL keeps alive tradition of writers’ tea houses

Islamabad: The Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) is making efforts to keep alive the old tradition of writers' tea houses, where literary community shared their experiences, resources and knowledge.
The Academy launched a series of 'Meet a writer over a cup of tea' at the Writers' Cafe in the premises of PAL where known intellectual Iftikhar Arif was the guest.
Many other prominent writers, poets and intellectuals along with PAL Director General Zahida Parveen participated in the event.
Literary work of Iftikhar Arif was discussed and his contemporaries shed light on the background of his most celebrated literary work.
The Writers Cafe aims to bring together the literary persons around a table over their favourite beverages and open a dialogue about their love of writing.
Iftikhar Arif said that "our get together encourages us", adding that he spent more time of his life in the federal capital.
He said: "Literature is a way of life. It is not a pastime. The commitment to the sanctity of the word should be life-long."
PAL Chairman Dr Qasim Bogio said the Writers' Cafe is serving as the centre for public-intellectual discourse where writers, poets, artists and journalists meet and discuss contemporary literary issues over a cup of coffee.
He said to provide a point of meeting to the writers and scholars on the pattern of Pak Tea House, Lahore, the PAL Writers' Cafe is equipped with all facilities including provision of meal and light refreshments on subsidised rates for the visitors.