The institutions under Pakistan’s Ministry of National Heritage and Culture presented a comprehensive briefing on their performance and activities to the Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar. The briefing detailed ongoing initiatives to engage youth with Pakistan’s cultural roots, promote the country’s positive image internationally, and connect students to arts and literature.
Attended by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, and heads of department—including participation from Karachi and Lahore via video link—the meeting outlined a major folk festival scheduled at Lok Virsa in November. Executive Director of Lok Virsa, Dr. Waqas, explained that such events help young people connect with their cultural heritage.
The committee learned that Pakistani artists’ works are being sent abroad and that Pakistan is setting up pavilions at international exhibitions. At a recent “Manzar” exhibition in Qatar, performances by Pakistani dancers received special recognition, adding to the effort of presenting a positive image of the country worldwide.
Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar emphasized the need to link schoolchildren with the arts and literature. In response, the Federal Minister praised these recommendations. Dr. Najeeba Arif, head of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, informed the meeting that the Academy publishes literary magazines in various languages, has established a literary museum, and runs several youth engagement programs to foster a connection with literature.
A briefing on Iqbal Studies highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at introducing youth to the ideas of Allama Iqbal. Federal Minister Khichi noted that the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had allocated a budget for promoting Iqbal’s philosophy in 1948, and today, similar measures are being continued by the Iqbal Academy.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister described the Ministry as representing the true face of Pakistan. He thanked the Prime Minister for suspending downsizing decisions, allowing the institutions to improve their performance. He stated that ministries and departments must demonstrate their importance through their work and emphasized the need to eliminate fears surrounding downsizing.
Chairperson Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar assured that she would work closely with the Ministry to promote youth engagement and cultural initiatives. She urged all departments to participate in committee meetings well-prepared to ensure effective progress on these objectives.
