ISLAMABAD: Promotion of social sciences, literature and book-reading are vital to promote peace and tolerance in society. Universities, being the hub of learning, knowledge and training, should promote a culture of dialogue and academic freedom to inculcate values of responsible citizenship, harmony, co-existence and respect for others ideologies among Pakistani youth. This was stated by Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik, renowned academician/writer, columnist, who shared his experiences during a dialogue organised by Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Alumni Association at Preston University Islamabad on Sunday. The event was attended by senior members of QAU Alumni Association, QAU faculty and a great number of students. Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik served as chairman National Language Authority, the rector International Islamic University Islamabad and the director Pakistan Institute of Pakistan Studies QAU Islamabad. Sharing the objectives of the dialogue, QAU Alumni Association Secretary General Murtaza Noor said that the association had started interactions with senior QAU faculty members in connection with 50 year celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad and the 70th Independence Day. “In this regard, this is our first interaction/exclusive evening,” he said. QAU Alumni Association president Sikandar Ahmed Rai lauded Fateh Muhammad Malik’s contribution for promotion of higher education, literature and especially critical thinking among university students. Prof Fateh Malik narrated various incidents from his childhood and his professional life. He was of the view that teachers’ care, guidance and training played a pivotal role in grooming of a student. “An ideal teacher always considers his students a part of his family. The government should take care of the requirements of universities and should fulfill their growing needs through provision of funding because spending on higher education is not a mere expenditure, but a real investment in future,” he said. He emphasised the role of literature and religious studies in university students. “Well-equipped libraries need to be established even at university hostels to promote the book-reading culture among students. The university libraries should be open to students around the clock,” he said. While narrating his teaching experience at QAU Islamabad, he said that many social sciences departments were established during the ZA Bhutto government due to the importance of social sciences for the society and country. “The graduates from these departments belonging to all regions of country served at various important positions at national, regional and international levels,” he said. He said that differences should not lead to violence. He thanked the QAU Alumni Association for organising the dialogue. Govt to constitute committee to recognise heroes of literature: Adviser to PM on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui said on Sunday that the government would constitute a committee to recognize services of unsung heroes and their contributions in the field of literature, education, research and culture. He was addressing a ceremony for launching of book Pidrum Sultan Boo, written by former managing director of Pakistan Television Syed Akhtar Waqar Azeem. Irfan said that this committee would work under the supervision of Iftikhar Arif and the books would be published by government to highlight the work of unsung heroes for the future generation. He said that unfortunately there was no system to highlight the work of unsung heroes. Irfan Siddique said that due to the lack of great writers, our new generation and present society faced various issues. “We need books and writers to save the future of youth,” he said. He hailed the services of Syed Waqar Azeem in the education sector. “Waqar Azeem is a beacon for others. He guided, helped and encouraged the youth,” he said. He said that Syed Waqar was an institute in himself. “We need such people in this age to protect our civilization and promote values of tolerance, unity, peace and love,” he said. Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed, Farooq Qaiser and Gohar Noshai also spoke on the occasion and paid tribute to Syed Waqar Azeem. Published in Daily Times, August 211st 2017.