AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, June 10, 2012 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integrity Ms Samina Khalid Ghurki attended the closing ceremony of “Pakistan Week” at Pak-China Friendship Centre Islamabad. National Assembly speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza was the chief guest on the occasion.
Ministry of National Heritage and Integration in collaboration with Lok Virsa had launched weeklong celebrations of ‘Pakistan Week’ with the objective to revitalize the spirit of nationalism through cultural activities. “Pakistan Week” was started on the instructions of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
It was an initiative on the part of the government to involve the masses, especially youth in a campaign which can touch their hearts through projection of their culture and heritage. It was also aimed to give a message of unity and brotherhood.
The Minister said that the event was aimed to project the real face of Pakistan to the world while giving a message of peace, unity and harmony. Preserving and strengthening the cultural heritage is important for development and promotion of national unity and tolerance in the modern age. While appreciating the folk artists, the Minister said that the artists are undoubtedly our national asset and they act as ambassadors when they perform in the foreign countries.
The Minister further said that such events highlight the contribution of our folk artists in building the soft image of Pakistan and also serve to bring people of different provinces and regions closer to each other. On such platforms, artists from all parts of the country come together thus focusing on provincial harmony and national integration.
The Minister stressed on the need to enlighten the youth with the rich culture and heritage of the country, therefore one of the important objective of the “Pakistan Week” was to tell youth about their heritage so that the youth can take pride in their own culture, and such festivals provide them a forum so that they can understand their rich culture and heritage in a better way.
At the end of the ceremony, Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza gave awards to the folk artists in different categories. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that culture acts a tool to create soft image of the country and she appreciated the role of Ministry of National Heritage and Integration in taking such initiatives.
She stressed that Ministry should arrange similar programmes in future as well so that people can better understand their culture and develop strong linkage with their heritage. She also appreciated the role of Lok Virsa for arranging such events where artisans from far off areas of Pakistan unite and present a Mini Pakistan in the Federal capital.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of people from different walks of life including high ranking officials of the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration, diplomats, cultural personalities, youth and general public.
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