Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stressed the need for Operation Zarb-e-Qalam to fight the forces spreading extremism and intolerance in the society while addressing the inaugural session of the fourth international conference on language, literature and society, organised by the Pakistan Academy of Letters.” I believe that the writers, poets and intellectuals have a vital role in theelimination of terrorism,” he said. The opening session of the four-day conference was attended by writers, scholars, poets and historians from Iran, Spain, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Oman, Maldives, Lebanon, China and Germany. Prime Minister spoke highly of writers and intellectuals and their role for peace and harmony in society; he said they were the most precious asset of any society as, though their works, they eliminated hatred, differences and brought the people closer to one and another. “The Muslims had lost their grandeur after they distanced themselves from research and education,” had added Nawaz Sharif, lamenting the current situation in the Muslim world. Although a lot of factors have contributed to their loss, the spreading of radical ideologies has played the central role in this regard. The situation in Pakistan has improved significantly following the initiation of Operation Zarb-e-Azb as the army has been successful in destroying the hotbeds of terror in the country. But this ideology cannot be defeated without concerted efforts at each level to rid the society as a whole from it. The Prime Minister himself had cited the examples of revolutionary writers and thinkers; the same is the need of the hour to change the perspectives. Sharif had also announced Rs 500 million endowment fund for the promotion of national history and literary heritage besides the welfare of writers and intellectuals. He also sought a proposal for an aid package to support the artists, serving in the fields of music, drama, films and calligraphy who unfortunately lead a miserable life at a certain stage after having entertained millions of the people throughout their lives. Besides announcing the establishment of Rs 1 million Intizar Hussain Award, he increased the number of beneficiaries of insurance cover from current 354 intellectuals to 700, annual awards from 11 to 20 and number of writers, entitled for support from 500 to 1000. This is an encouraging step to address the concerns of the writers, poets and artists in general. The governments have ignored the importance of art for long, and it is appreciable that the current government does realise the importance of changing narratives through education and literature to defeat terrorism. The writers and intellectuals are the heart, brain and spirit of society as they not only addressed the current situation also keep an eye on the future scenario. Other than reviving the literary culture, the artist community needs government’s attention economically as well, and the increase in the number of such awards is appreciable. The objective of the creation of National History and Literary Heritage Division was to promote educational and literary research through an independent mechanism. Only time will tell whether the current and the consequent governments will stay true to their word. *