ISLAMABAD, National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage -Lok Virsa in collaboration with UNESCO organized a conference on folklore and traditional heritage of Pakistan here at Lok Virsa on sideline of Folk Festival.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah was the chief guest on the occasion.
Adviser and expert on National Heritage and Culture Division Muhammad Kashif Irshad, Executive Director Lok Virsa Muhammad Uzair Khan and representative of UNESCO were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants, the Minister said that Pakistan’s cultural heritage is over 9,000 years old, starting from Mehrgarh.
“Pakistan is a cradle of several diverse and pluralistic civilizations”, he added.
He said that he was making efforts to bring investment for the protection and preservation of Mehrgarh and Takht-e-Bahi.
He said that it will be more good to also invite artisans in such conferences for their awareness.
We need to create more opportunities for our artisans and artists,” he added.
He said that we need to change our attitude towards artisans and artists as they are our strength. The minister termed projection of cultural diversity as the best source for promotion of peace and harmony in the society.
He said Lok Mela is a valuable platform for artists to exhibit their talent and promote the national cohesion in a befitting manner.
Jamal Shah further said Lok Mela aims to float message of solidary with Palestinians.
He said the spirit of creativity brings people together and strengthen society as a whole. “‘Artists are among the most generous of people.” he added. He said we should also hold more discussions and organize such interactive sessions for promotion of cultural heritage so that people particularly the young generation can understand.
The Minister said that a dedicated Heritage television channel would be launched to promote the culture and literature of the country in a more efficient way. The minister emphasized the need to promote children’s folk literature available in national languages.
Executive Director Lok Virsa Muhammad Uzair Khan welcomed the participants in the conference. He said that Lok Virsa is making efforts for the promotion of folk heritage as per the vision of Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture.
UNESCO representative also spoke on the occassion, she said that the purpose today conference is to understand the importance of living heritage. She said that Pakistan rich heritage equally acknowledged.
She said that Pakistan as a member state of UNESCO showing its commitment towards safeguarding unique cultural heritage. However the role of community are very important in safeguarding the heritage.
