Minister says culture and democracy are inextricably linked to each other
She says social change can be triggered through art and culture
Culture and democracy were inextricably linked to each other and during dictatorial regimes arts, artist communities and freedom of expression got suppressed.
It was stated by State Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb while addressing the curtain-raiser ceremony of National Artist Convention, 2018 and CPEC Cultural Caravan festival here on Friday. She said the government was all set to announce first ever culture and film policies very soon which would usher in an epoch making era for the promotion of culture and revival of the film industry in the country.
The minister said that the cultural policy had been formulated in consultation with the provincial governments. She said that the positive identity of Pakistan could be highlighted in a better way through the promotion of arts.
The minister said that the terrorism during the last 30-35 years had not only claimed the lives of our people but also badly affected films, culture, heritage and theater.
She observed that there was a well-entrenched culture of intolerance in the country at the moment and no one was prepared to listen or accommodate the view point of the other adding social change could be triggered through art and culture. She said that the film and cultural industries of China, Qatar and Bangladesh were making great contribution to their GDPs and likewise Pakistan would also have to pay attention to its film industry. The minister said that for the first time Pakistani films would be screened in China adding that such efforts would unravel the real face of Pakistan.
The minister said that the society could be made strong and vibrant through the revival of the cultural activities. PNCA Director General Jamal Shah, senior artists and a large number of Chinese artists were also present on the occasion.
