QUETTA: The Balochistan government has presented Allama Iqbal literary provincial awards and appreciation certificates to 105 writers, poets, intellectuals, drama writers and researchers in recognition of their services in the field of literature in Urdu and local languages.

The awards and certificates were distributed by provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism Mir Mujeebur Rehman Mohammad Hasni at a ceremony organised by the Culture, Tourism and Archaeology Department here on Saturday evening. The ceremony was attended by prominent literary figures, ministers, senior officials, academicians and publishers.

Mr Hasni announced that the government had set up an endowment fund for the welfare of artists and planned to allocate more funds in the next budget. He said the provincial government had established libraries in different districts to promote the culture of book reading among the youth and facilitate students.