ISLAMABAD: Renowned Sindhi intellectual and short story writer, Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo, has been selected for Kamal-e-Fun Award 2011.

Being the highest award in the field of literature, it is given to a literary figure in recognition of his/her lifetime`s achievement in creative and research work. The amount of the award is Rs500,000.

The judges Fahmida Hussain,Zahida Hina, Saadat Saeed, Masood Ashar, Raaj Wali Shah Khattak, Tauseef Tabassum, Anwar Zahidi, M.R. Shafaq and Wahid Buxh Buzdar announced the award at a press conference on Wednesday.

Dr. Fahmida Hussain while talking to mediapersons said that 98-year-old Mohammad Ibrahim Joyo started writing before creation of Pakistan.

`Mr Joyo worked for liberalism.

He did the best research work and his criticism of writers was always taken positively,` she said.Replying to a question, Dr Fahmida and Dr Raaj Wali Shah Khattak (judges) said Mr Joyo`s selection had been made on merit.

The PAL chairman, Abdul Hameed, also announced the National Literary Award for the year 2011 and 2012 on the best literary books written during the year in Pakistani languages. For 2011 Urdu poetry: `Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal Award` was given to Manzar Hussain on his book `Satar Nooh` In Urdu Prose 2011: `Baba-i-UrduMolvi Abdul Haq Award` was given to Mansha Yaad on his book `DoorKi Awaz` For 2011 Punjabi poetry: `Syed Waris Shah Award` was given to Dr.

Inaamul Haq Javed on his book `Mauj Mela`. For 2012 Urdu poetry: `Dr. Allama Mohammad Iqbal Award` was given to Khalid Ahmed on his book `Num Grifta`.

In 2012 Urdu prose: `Baba-I-Urdu Molvi Abdul Haq Award` was given to Dr. Wazir Agha on his book `Tangeedi Theory Ke So Saal`