Minister of
state for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Ms.
Marriyum Aurangzeb addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 9th National
Exhibition at PNCA today said that the artists of the country had kept alive
identity of Pakistan, its culture and Heritage through their art. She said that
terrorism tried to obscure the national culture but it could not be defaced due
to its strong roots within the society and the efforts of the artists.
She said that
the nation had succeeded in containing terrorism as well as religious extremism
to a great extent and a collective effort was also needed to eliminate the
culture of intolerance. She said that terrorism and intolerance could be
subdued through art. The minister said that it was imperative to promote art in
the country and the youth should participate in the art and painting
exhibitions.
Marriyum
said that the government was working on the formulation of a policy for the
revival of the film industry and welfare of the artists. She said that
Pakistani nation and state institutions had rendered innumerable sacrifices in
the fight against terrorism and the artists had highlighted those sacrifices
through their art. She said that the artists and painters were the ambassadors
of the country who had projected and promoted the positive identity of the
country, its culture and Heritage through their paintings and the pen in
difficult times during the last 35 years. The minister said that as a
result of the steps taken in conformity with the vision of the former Prime
Minister and the sacrifices offered by the armed forces and the law enforcing
agencies the incidents of terrorism had been reduced to a great extent as
compared to 2013. She said that the revival of activities pertaining to arts,
culture and literature was made possible due to the peaceful conditions in the
country and consequently the people were discussing culture, music, films, art
and creativity.
The MOS said
that the government was taking effective steps for the welfare of the artists
including the setting up of a welfare fund to provide financial assistance to
them notwithstanding the fact that after 18th amendment the subject had been
transferred to the provinces. She said that the federal government was
initiating practical steps for promotion of films and welfare of the artists
and soon a national cultural policy would be announced which would ensure
representation of all languages, provinces, cultures and national heritage. She
said that the provincial governments would seek guidance from this policy and
they would be given a definite plan in that regard. The minister said that the
government was also formulating the first ever film policy. The MOS said that
terrorism not only claimed the lives of the citizens of the country but also
did a great damage to the culture and national heritage.
She
said that the culture, heritage and national values would be highlighted
through the films and the government was also contemplating to establish
Directorate of Films and a Film Fund besides offering tax rebates to encourage
the film industry.
The minister observed that through the production
of films the scenic beauty of Pakistan would be reflected and highlighted to
attract the foreign tourists. She said that the youth should seek guidance from
the artists who were an asset of the country. The minister said that the
artists projected Pakistan’s image through colours and created the desire to
move forward in times of adversity. She said that the National painting
exhibition was being held for the first time since 2003 and the revival of
cultural activities mirrored a healthy society.
The minister paid glowing tributes to eminent
artists including Iqbal Jaffery, Mian Ijaz ul Hasan, Zulqurnain Haider, Hajira
Mansoor, Collin David, Mansoor Rahi and others for exhibiting their art and
also presented shields to them. DG PNCA explained the aims and objectives
of the exhibition. The minister also witnessed performances of the PNCA artists
and appreciated them.
*****
