The Standing Committee on National Heritage & Culture Division convened its second session under the leadership of Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Member of the National Assembly, to review the performance and ongoing initiatives of the National Heritage & Culture Division and its affiliated organizations. The committee discussed a variety of topics focused on promoting, developing, and preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
The meeting opened with a detailed briefing by the Senior Joint Secretary, who outlined the Division’s main objectives: to safeguard and promote Pakistan’s cultural, linguistic, literary, and historical heritage through collaboration, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of inclusivity and tolerance. He highlighted that eleven organizations currently function under the Division.
Representatives from several bodies provided updates to the Committee. The Executive Director of Lok Virsa announced an upcoming 10-day folk festival intended to celebrate the diverse traditions of all provinces. Committee members encouraged youth engagement, especially through Lok Virsa’s annual Lok Mela. The Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) reported that its National Arts Gallery attracts up to 500 visitors daily, demonstrating growing public interest in the arts. Meanwhile, the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board noted that about two million people visit the Mazar each year, highlighting its importance as a heritage site.
The Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters emphasized the institution’s role in promoting literature through annual awards and financial support to writers and literary organizations. Committee members requested a detailed report on artist funding at a future meeting. Addressing digital engagement, the Committee was assured that all departments maintain active social media platforms and requested these links be shared in the next session.
The Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan shared milestones such as publishing 500 books on Allama Iqbal in 27 languages and preserving 1,730 of his letters. Grand celebrations for Iqbal’s 150th birthday are planned, and a comprehensive curriculum on his works—prepared for all educational levels—awaits government approval. Committee members recommended digitizing Iqbal’s works with visuals and enhancing digital outreach to connect with the youth and urged swift approval of the new curriculum.
The Administrator of Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex detailed youth engagement efforts to carry forward Iqbal’s legacy, with the Committee recommending nationwide student involvement. Similarly, the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) described its diploma programs in theatre and music, and the Committee requested detailed student records. The Department of Archaeology & Museums clarified that most archaeological sites, except those in Islamabad, have been under provincial management since 2011.
Further updates included reports from the National Library of Pakistan and the National Language Promotion Department. The Committee urged practical steps to enhance the prominence of Urdu and to expedite the option for Urdu language exams in the Combined Competitive Exams.
Members of the National Assembly participated either in person or virtually, alongside the Federal Minister and senior officers of the National Heritage & Culture Division, reflecting broad parliamentary and administrative engagement with national heritage matters.
