Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Andy Halus on Thursday jointly inaugurated the "Let Freedom Ring" American Liberty Bell display at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, celebrating the enduring cultural partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
Addressing the launch ceremony of the "Let Freedom Ring" display at Lok Virsa Museum, the Federal Minister congratulated the American nation on the historic occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of U.S. Independence, extending heartfelt wishes on behalf of the people of Pakistan.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi also reaffirmed, Pakistan's commitment to strengthening cultural ties with the United States, saying people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation remain among the strongest pillars of the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He said that although Pakistan is a younger republic, it shares the same ideals of constitutional democracy, individual liberty and economic self-determination that inspired the American Dream.
The Minister said it was a pleasure to host the event at Lok Virsa Museum, an institution that has long served as the custodian of Pakistan's living cultural heritage. He noted that the exhibition reflected the cultural, artistic, and political connections between Pakistan and the United States while celebrating the rich traditions of both nations.
Highlighting the creativity of Pakistani artists, Khichi said Pakistan possesses extraordinary artistic talent, with artists from across the country expressing the aspirations of the nation through their work. He praised the 16 Pakistani artists who transformed the iconic American Liberty Bell into unique artistic expressions, saying their work demonstrated that art transcends borders, languages and history.
The Minister said Pakistan and the United States enjoy a broad-based relationship founded on mutual respect and shared objectives. He emphasized that cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
Referring to the growing cultural cooperation between the two countries, Khichi said Pakistan was pleased to join the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. He noted that the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation has remained an important initiative in promoting heritage conservation and cultural collaboration.
He also highlighted the successful repatriation of a considerable number of valuable Pakistani cultural artifacts from the United States in recent years, saying the achievement was made possible through close cooperation between the two countries.
The Federal Minister acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division for maintaining close coordination with the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, which has further strengthened bilateral cooperation in the cultural sector.
Commending the U.S. Mission in Pakistan for its continued commitment to enhancing Pakistan-U.S. relations, Khichi expressed confidence that cultural partnerships would continue to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Concluding his address, the Minister called for further strengthening Pakistan-U.S. friendship through continued cultural collaboration and people-to-people engagement.
Speaking on the occasion,
U.S. Charge d’Affaires Andy Halus said that cultural heritage serves as a powerful bridge between Pakistan and the United States, highlighting the successful partnership between the two countries in preserving history and promoting mutual understanding through art and culture.
Mr. Halus thanked the minister for the close cooperation that led to the successful recovery and repatriation of more than 450 Pakistani cultural artifacts, valued at nearly US$23 million, earlier this year.
He said Minister Khichi’s partnership with the United States on cultural heritage preservation reflected the importance both countries attach to culture as a means of strengthening bilateral relations.
Mr. Halus described Lok Virsa Heritage Museum as the ideal venue for launching the Liberty Bell project, saying the institution's commitment to preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage made it a fitting place to celebrate both American and Pakistani creativity, culture and the universal ideals of freedom.
Recalling his personal connection with the Liberty Bell, he said he was born in Philadelphia, where the historic monument remains one of America’s most cherished symbols of independence and freedom. He said that while planning celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, it was natural to place the Liberty Bell at the heart of commemorative activities in Pakistan.
He noted that the Liberty Bell, inscribed with the words, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof,” has inspired generations over the past 250 years and symbolizes not only American independence but also the universal value of freedom.
Halus said the U.S. Mission, through its Lincoln Corner Network across Pakistan, invited 16 Pakistani artists to paint life-size replicas of the Liberty Bell, asking each artist to express a personal interpretation of the question, “What does freedom mean to me?”
The initiative, he said, resulted in 16 unique artistic creations reflecting diverse Pakistani perspectives on liberty, creativity and expression.
“As I look at these bells today, I am reminded of the shared legacy between Pakistan and the United States a belief in the power of expression, the importance of art, and the freedom to imagine a better future,” he said.
The U.S. diplomat observed that while Lok Virsa has long been dedicated to preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage, the exhibition now also brings America’s story of freedom to one of the country’s most important cultural institutions.
He praised the participating artists for transforming an iconic American symbol into unique works of art that reflect shared human values and strengthen cultural understanding between the two nations.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Halus noted that 2027 will mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the United States, expressing confidence that cultural cooperation would continue to deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
