Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Yassar Sakhi Butt said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s heritage and culture needs to be promoted to highlight a true and soft image of the country globally. According to a press release, he made these remarks during a meeting with Indus Heritage Trust (IHT) Chairperson Siddiqa Malik. He stated: “Pakistan has a very rich and diverse culture, where people have their own indigenous traditions, lifestyles, crafts and heritage. “Cultural festivals and exhibitions should be organised regularly to accelerate trade and investment as well as to give a boost to the tourism sector.”
Sakhi Butt said Pakistani handicrafts reflected the country’s traditions and culture, adding that the metal and wood carving artwork was especially appreciated abroad. He added that Pakistani handicrafts have not gained the attention they deserve and that the government should facilitate the export of local handicrafts. Sakhi Butt stated that cultural festivals and exhibitions could put the economy back on track as they introduced Pakistan’s products to the global market. He said the government should arrange trade fairs and exhibitions.
He said stakeholders, including the embassies of different countries could be engaged to promote Pakistani culture and that the government must allocate a part of the annual development budget for the promotion of arts and culture. Siddiqa Malik highlighted the role of the Indus Heritage Trust in the promotion of the Pakistani cultural heritage and said the IHT was striving hard to revitalise the multi-faceted cultural identity of Pakistan.
