ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that affiliation with cultural heritage and its promotion is imperative for the image building and development of the country.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of national calligraphy competition here on Wednesday, he pointed out that the nations which focused on the promotion of their cultural heritage remained successful in all walks of life. Cultural values, he stressed, provide a basis for the literary and economic development of the country.
He said that the young calligraphers through their artistic work were doing a national service that will prove to be beneficial for the development of other fields.
The president said that given the magnificent artwork produced by the young calligraphers in the national competition, the future of calligraphy is very bright in Pakistan. It is a matter of satisfaction that the art of calligraphy is shifting from one generation to the other, he added.
Mamnoon expressed the confidence that the young calligraphers will bring good name to the country through their artwork by also exploring modern trends in the field. He added that it was a matter of honour for that a Pakistani calligrapher Shafiquz Zaman had an opportunity to work in Masjid-e-Nabvi.
The president especially appreciated the services rendered by the national history and literary heritage division as commendable and hoped that it will continue its efforts to promote such healthy activities.
In his remarks on the occasion, National History and Literary Heritage Adviser Irfan Siddiqui said that an institute of calligraphy had been established for the training of youth in this field. He added, “We have also recently signed an agreement with Turkey and also desire the same with Iran for the training of youth in calligraphy.”
He went on to say that the way the art of calligraphy was promoting harmony amongst the youth, it will also prove to vital in promoting goodwill and harmony amongst the Islamic countries.
Earlier, the president gave away cash prizes and awards to the winners of the competition.
