**Lok Virsa Unveils Cultural Diorama Honoring Pakistan’s Meo Community**
The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) has inaugurated a new cultural diorama dedicated to the Meo community at the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology – Heritage Museum in Islamabad. The display showcases the Meo community’s rich history and cultural traditions, underscoring the group’s significance within Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi formally opened the exhibit, emphasizing the Meo community’s integral role in Pakistan’s cultural tapestry. In his remarks, Minister Khichi praised the community’s resilience and contributions to local traditions, and lauded Lok Virsa for consistently spotlighting the stories and voices of underrepresented groups. The minister highlighted that the creation of this diorama demonstrates the government’s commitment to cultural inclusion and national unity.
The exhibit, which was sponsored by the Meo community itself, was launched in the presence of Ms. Farah Naz Akbar (Parliamentary Secretary), Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani (Secretary), and a large gathering of community members. Lok Virsa’s Executive Director, Dr. Muhammad Waqas Saleem, described the installation as part of the institute’s ongoing dedication to inclusive cultural representation. Dr. Saleem explained that every community in Pakistan has a unique story, and Lok Virsa aims to integrate those narratives into the nation’s cultural identity. He underscored that the new display represents both the preservation and the recognition of shared heritage.
The Meo community, whose roots stretch back centuries, is predominantly settled in southern Punjab and Sindh. Renowned for their vibrant folk traditions, distinctive apparel, agricultural heritage, and traditional music, the Meos represent a vital living legacy embedded within the socio-cultural fabric of the region.
This initiative aligns with Lok Virsa’s broader vision of “Community Development through Culture,” which seeks to empower marginalized and underrepresented groups by bringing their customs and histories to public platforms such as museums and festivals.
The Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology remains a leading institution committed to presenting the ethnological richness of all major communities and provinces of Pakistan. It plays a crucial role in promoting national integration, strengthening inter-cultural harmony, and safeguarding the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
