PESHAWAR: For the first time in the history, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has changed its approach to culture by formulating a ‘culture policy’. The policy will be based on reliable planning, data collection, analysis, monitoring and evaluation, as well as on evidence based, participatory and transparent policy-making.
This decision was taken on Monday in a session conducted by Directorate of Culture regarding ‘Deliberation and Formulation of KP Culture Policy’. Culture Deputy Director (DD) Shehbaz Khan gave a detailed presentation in light of the initial draft of the policy.
Culture and Tourism Secretary Muhammad Tariq delivered a welcome note and thanked the participant for being a part of the event. Director Culture Ajmal Khan said that the policy will be launched after fulfilling the legal requirements.
The deputy director said that the policy highlights both the economic as well as social dimensions of cultural activities, goods and services. He added that the role of culture has been recognised in providing jobs, enhancing revenue and strengthening sustainable economic growth and that the policy further aims at conveying identities and values, fostering social inclusion and a sense of belonging.
The director also said that the policy provides an in-depth analysis of the current trends and challenges faced by the sector, and due care has been taken regarding the contemporary issues, including access to international market places, digital environment, artistic freedom and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. He added that the institutional and structural capacities will be enhanced in all areas of governance and management of culture in the province.
He said, “The policy will foster an environment where creativity can flourish and diversity of culture will be celebrated.” He added that the artists will be enabled to participate and compete in both national and international market and it will also make it easier to access diverse cultural goods, services and activities including films music, literature and any other form of cultural expression.
Stakeholders from different fields attended the session. Among them were senior writers, intellectuals and policy experts like Najeebullah Anjum, former Culture Minister Abdul Subhan, Dr Salma Shaheen, Dr Fazle Rahim Marwat, Dr Sarfaraz Khan and Nazif Khan and others. The participants shared their valuable views on the policy.
Extensive discussions were also held with stakeholders in a high-level consultative session at the culture directorate to make the process more participatory. The crux of the whole discussion was to promote culture as an essential element of sustainable development by contributing to the well-being of the communities and giving voice to different groups, especially the marginalised ones.
