Prime minister wants national policy on art, literature

MURREE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed preparation of a comprehensive national policy on art, literature and artists.

He was chairing a meeting at the Government House, Murree, on Friday to review the progress on various development projects pertaining to the hill station.

The prime minister said the revival of the film industry was a must and the government was willing to support constructive films. The government would patronise art and artists by giving stipends and through sponsorship of films educative in nature, especially for the youth.

The PM was briefed on the ongoing projects designed for the beautification of Murree.The projects are mostly aimed at providing facilities to tourists coming from all over the country. These include restoration of the Government House and The Mall, adequate parking facilities, improvement of hospitals and restoration of a cinema in Murree.

Nawaz directed ensuring all essential facilities at the earliest for attracting tourists to Murree. He emphasized that the establishment of quality health facilities for locals and visitors must be secured as early as possible. He approved proposals for beautifying The Mall, resolving the traffic issue and creating parking lots in Murree. He directed early completion of feasibility work for the Bastal Mor to Pindi Point Cable Car Project, covering a distance of 4 kms. He also directed work on a clean drinking water project for Murree.

The meeting was attended by Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Kashmir Affairs Minister Barjees Tahir, Hamza Shahbaz, Special Assistant to PM Dr Asif Kirmani and other senior officials.