ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui Monday inaugurated the newly constructed state-of-the-art ‘Faiz Ahmad Faiz Auditorium’ at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL). The auditorium built on 6,000 square foot land has the capacity to accommodate 450 persons in its main hall, 400 in basement and 200 each in its two committee rooms. “This well-equipped auditorium, costing Rs 90 million, would prove as a vital source in promoting literary activities in the federal capital,” Siddiqui said while talking to media after inauguration of the auditorium. The project was lingering for last 10 years and work on it was expedited only after the creation of the NH&LH division. Siddiqui said literary and cultural activities are indispensible for promotion of peace, tolerance and generosity among the people. He also formally inaugurated ‘Calligraphy Gallery’ in a ceremony held at the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD). Speaking on the occasion, Siddiqui said the gallery displaying exquisite collection of calligraphic art pieces, will provide a platform for the students of calligraphy and other artists to display their work and learn from each other’s experiences. He said the Institute of Calligraphy will play a significant role in preservation and promotion of this ancient Islamic art. Siddiqui also planted a sapling in the lawn of National Book Foundation (NBF). Meanwhile, farewell ceremonies were also arranged by PAL, NLPD and NBF on the occasions where the heads of these institutions and other staff members highly acknowledged the role of the advisor for rejuvenating all these dormant institutions and giving them a new dimension to produce and promote valuable literature and play role in transformation of the society. Published in Daily Times, May 29th 2018.