NWFP Minister for Sports, Culture and Tourism, Aqil Shah, has announced that Khatir Ghaznavi Hall will be constructed in Peshawar in recognition of his valuable contributions in promotion of Hindko, Urdu literature and culture. He made this announcement at the launching ceremony of the book titled 'Quran Aik Hisabi Maujeza', translated by Ismail Awan at Khana-e-Farhang, Iran, in Peshawar.
The ceremony was organised by Idara-e-Farogh-e-Hindko, Peshawar, which was presided over by Yawer Naseer. Professor Dr Nazir Tabassum, Director-General Khana Farhang Iran Masood Islami, Chairman Idara Farogh-e-Hindko Aurangzeb Ahmad Ghaznavi, Saeed Paris, Z I Athar, Dr Noor Hakeem Jillani, Professor Sabi Ahmad, Farooq Jan Babar, Sajid Sarhadi, Mushtaq Shabab and Professor Nasir Ali Syed also addressed the ceremony and appreciated the efforts of the writer of the book and termed it as beacon of light for the readers.
Aqil Shah said the present government would take concrete steps for promotion and protection of culture of the province, and 2,500 years celebrations of Peshawar City would be held next year in a befitting manner.
He said that the name of Khatir Ghaznavi would live in the hearts of the people for ever due to his meritorious services in the field of Hindko literature. He said that the ministry of culture would soon hold a grand conference in memory of Khatir Ghaznavi.
Congratulating M. Ismail Awan, translator of 'Quran Aik Hisabi Maujeza', the minister termed his efforts as a favour on Hindko language and a gift for those who could speak and understand Hindko.
He said: "Solution of all our problems is in Quran but it needs thinking and research." He thanked Masood Islami, DG Khana Farhang Iran for his cooperation in promoting cultural and literary activities in the province. Aqil also announced Rs 11,000 for Idara Farogh-e-Hindko Peshawar on the occasion.