With an aim to further strengthen the Pak-China relationship, a youth poster contest and exhibition on “Children Know Peace” opened at the Lok Virsa Complex, to mark the 60 years of bilateral ties celebrations. The exhibition was organised by Friends of China in collaboration with Lok Virsa, Ministry of National Heritage and Integration, Islamabad Crescent Lions Club and DEVCOM-Pakistan.
Friends of China Chairman Muhammad Akram Zaki, who has also served as Pakistan’s ambassador to China and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General, was the chief guest on the occasion. A large number of people from different walks of life, especially youth, attended the opening ceremony held at the beautiful cultural surroundings of Lok Virsa.
In his welcoming remarks, Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid explained various initiatives that his organisation has taken over the years to inculcate awareness among the younger generation about their cultural heritage. “Lok Virsa follows a policy of involving all talented Pakistanis, in particular youth community, in implementing its policies and programmes. The Institute has no branches anywhere else in Pakistan, yet it offers effective participation to all researchers, social scientists, scholars, educationists, folklorists, students, artisans, artists and musicians even in the remote regions in its projects and activities,” he added.
Talking about Pak-China relations, Khalid said, “We enjoy very cordial and friendly relations with our time-tested friend. And realising importance of this relationship, the Lok Virsa has created a three-dimensional link passage at its popular Heritage Museum at Shakarparian, presenting Pakistan’s historical and cultural linkages and influences with China spreading over centuries through Silk Route”.
The Chinese side had been greatly instrumental in providing artefacts for display in this link passage as a gift to the people of Pakistan from their friends in China, he added.
He also thanked Friends of China, particularly Akram Zaki, for selecting Lok Virsa’s venue for the prestigious exhibition. He expressed the hope that the event would go a long way not only in creating peace and harmony among youth, but also to enhance existing cultural and friendly ties between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Akram Zaki shed light on the importance of the exhibition and appreciated Lok Virsa’s efforts and contributions in documenting, preserving and disseminating traditional culture of Pakistan in such a professional and systematic manner.
He also took special mention of the help and cooperation that Friends of China obtained from the Lok Virsa management in organising the event.
Around 100 posters depicting the theme “Children Know Peace” drawn by children have been displayed in the exhibition. Students from 25 schools of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad took part in the contest – showing their imagination to compare violence and peace in the society and hence coming up with the solution that peace and harmony is definitely vital and a basic need for progress, development and prosperity.
According to the organisers, the exhibition-cum-contest is of district level which will subsequently be expanded to national and international level by short listing of entries.
Later, the chief guest gave away certificates to the participating children.
The exhibition will continue at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum November 8 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm except for Monday and public holiday.
