n an attempt to honour the notable citizens of the Multan, the city administration has initiated a programme of putting up plaques identifying the houses of people who have great achievements in various genres of art and literature.

The initiative has been warmly welcomed by the literati of the city. The official recognition of writers, teachers, poets, novelists and other artists reflects the government’s commitment to celebrate the cultural heritage of the region.

The idea was first mooted by the-then deputy commissioner Amir Karim Khan. He wanted to pay homage to the writers, poets, singers and teachers of the city by officially acknowledging their services.

Khan formed a committee that consisted of the writers and intellectuals of the city to prepare a list of top-notch writers and poets that should be recognised by erecting a plaque outside their homes for their contributions.

The list quickly ran into scores. The deputy commissioner then requested the committee to make a shorter list. Before further action could follow, Amir Karim Khan was transferred. The plan got shelved.

A year ago, Amir Karim Khan returned to the city as the Multan Division commissioner. He decided to pick up the programme where it had been left.

With the help of the committee, he finalised a list of 30 eminent people of Multan whom the administration would be honouring by erecting a plaque commemorating their services for the city outside their homes.

Khan told The News on Sunday that, in some European countries, it is a common practice to name lanes, parks and streets to honour local poets, writers, painters and singers.

The idea was to emulate that tradition in Multan. “We have installed the plaques for 15 people so far. Soon we will pay similar homage to 15 more people of the city whom the committee selected. We need to recognise the people who have served the city in various capacities,” said Amir Karim Khan.

Notables honoured so far include celebrated poets writers and singers such as Aslam Ansari, Dr Anwar Ahmad, Dr Asad Areeb, Shakir Shujabadi, Surraya Multaniker, Qamar Raza Shahzad and Dr Mukhtar Zafar.

Khan said once a plaque is installed, a high tea is arranged for that person with his or her family. The divisional administration hosts the ceremony.

Professor Amjad Ali Shakir, the writer-intellectual, warmly supported the initiative. He said other cities, too, should start similar programmes.

He said that people like Dr Anwar Ahmad needed to be recognised and lauded for serving the city for decades and nurturing a whole generation. He said people tended to gravitate to larger-than-life images.

The commissioner said that he has asked all the deputy commissioners in the division to initiate the Loh-i- Aizaz [the distinction plaque] programme in Khanewal, Lodhran and Vehari districts so that more local eminent people and their services can be recognised, acknowledged and appreciated.

Dr Anwar Ahmad, one of the luminaries recognised in the first batch, said he was grateful and humbled. He also welcomed the formation of a committee of eminent citizens to nominate people for the honour.

Poet Shakir Hussain Shakir, a members of the committee, said credit for the initiative lay with the commissioner. He said that the remaining people on the list would soon be acknowledged for their contributions to art and literature.

The recognition accorded to the prominent people is a welcome step. Some people might disagree with selections but the fact that literary figures and artists are getting recognition has been universally welcomed.

It has been pointed out that a distinguished son of the city Mirza Ibne Hanif is not on the list. Asked about the surprising omission, Commissioner Amir Karim Khan said that his name was on the first the list. However, his family didn’t like the idea. That was why the plan to put up a plaque had to be abandoned.

The contributor is a freelance journalist. He can be reached at altafhussainasad @gmail.com