Minister of state for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that
the implementation of the anti-terrorism policies through the efforts of
the government, cooperation of the provincial governments, sacrifices of the
armed forces and the law enforcing agencies and the people of Pakistan, have
started paying dividends. She said that due to terrorism in the last 30-40
years a culture of intolerance had also taken roots in the country. The
minister was speaking at 200th anniversary of Bahaullah organized by Lok Virsa here today.
The MOS said that due to the vision
of the former Prime Minister the country was again emerging as a cradle of
peace and the people belonging to all religions and fraternities
were living in the country with pride and celebrating their festivals
unhindered. The minister said that Pakistan was fighting a war of perception
and passing through a very difficult phase therefore all of us had to fight
this war collectively as a nation and emerge triumphant. She said that we
would have to correct our behaviours and do our duties in individual capacities
without raising fingers towards others. She said malice, hatred and jealousies
could destroy any society. Marriyum said that national identity could be
presented before the global community in a better way through heritage,
culture, music, films and literature. She said that sixty per cent of our
population consisted of youth who were the future architects of the nation and
needed to be guided towards the right direction by eliminating the culture of
intolerance.
She said she was immensely
pleased to participate in the 200th anniversary of Bahullah who during his
entire life disseminated knowledge and taught good behavior to the people.
Marriyum said that Bahaullah believed that all the religions were leaves of the
same tree and if the tree came to any harm all the leaves would be affected.
The minister said that the country was witnessing a revival of arts,
literature, culture and heritage and the playing fields were regaining their
lost hustle and bustle. She informed the audience that on the completion of 70
years of independence special ceremonies had been initiate adding that ministry
of Information and its attached departments including PTV and Radio and Lok
Virsa were ensuring the outreach of these programems to all the corners of the
country, which would continue till December.
She
said that Lok Virsa was striving hard to groom the talent of the youth. Executive
Director of Lok Virsa Dr. Fauzia Saeed said that the entire nation shared the
festivities with the Bahai community. Secretary
General of Bahai Movement said that Baha Ullah was born in the royal family of
Iran in 817 who gave the message that one should seek happiness by joining the
happiness of others. He said that all the people belonging to Baha Movement
were grateful to the MOS for her participation in the anniversary and
highlighting the image of Pakistan. The artists from all the provinces, Gilgit
Baltistan and AJK and Hunza enthralled the audience with folk songs of their
respective regions.
*******