Chairperson National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar was briefed on Wednesday about the performance and initiatives of the institutions working under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division.
Newly appointed Committee Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar presided over the meeting. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi was also present in the meeting, while Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani, and heads of attached organizations participated, while heads from Karachi and Lahore joined via video link.
The committee was informed that a major folk festival will be organized at Lok Virsa in the second week of November to engage youth and promote cultural values.
Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr. Waqas said such events help connect the younger generation with their cultural roots.
The briefing highlighted that Pakistani artists’ work is being showcased abroad and national pavilions are being set up at international exhibitions to project a positive image of Pakistan.
During a recent exhibition in Qatar, Pakistani artists received wide appreciation.
Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar suggested linking schoolchildren with arts and literature, a proposal welcomed by the Minister. Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Chairperson Dr. Najeeba Arif informed the committee that PAL publishes literary journals in multiple languages, has established a literary museum, and continues to engage youth through various programs despite recent challenges.
The committee was also briefed on initiatives to promote Iqbal Studies. Highlighting the importance of the vision of Allam Muhammad Iqbal, Minister Aurangzeb Khichi recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had allocated Rs. 100,000 in 1948 for the promotion of Allama Iqbal’s ideas. The head of the Iqbal Academy said several programs are being carried out to acquaint youth with Iqbal’s philosophy.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Khichi said the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture represents the true face of Pakistan. He thanked the Prime Minister for suspending the downsizing decision, which will enable the institutions to continue their work. He added that the ministry’s institutions will prove their worth through performance and should be freed from the fear of downsizing.
Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar assured full cooperation with the ministry, stressing that joint efforts were needed to engage youth and promote cultural values. She urged that committee meetings be held with full preparation and that the initiatives for youth must be visible and properly projected.
