ISLAMABAD: Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage said that to further cement people to people contacts between Pakistan and China and to maintain ideal cordial relations between the two states, cultural exchanges are one of the essential components. She was Chairing a high-level meeting held here to discuss the proposed plan for running a cultural caravan from Urmchi in China to Gwadar comprising artists, musicians, dancers, photographers, anthropologists, writers and film makers from both the countries.
Syed Jamal Shah, Director General PNCA briefed Marriyum Aurangzeb and the meeting in detail about the whole concept of Cultural Caravan proposed to travel through the CPEC route and the documentation of art and culture that would be done along the way and also dilated on the importance of the creative journey to promote dialogue, understanding, trust and respect between the two nations.
He said the Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb along with Chinese Minister for Culture would formally launch the Cultural Caravan from Urumqi (China) in August this year.
Terming the concept of cultural caravan as unique, Marriyum fully endorsed the initiative and reiterated her govt’s commitment to promote art and culture of Pakistan with the view to spotlight its softer image across the globe.
Minister of State observed that exchange of cultural troupes and caravans consisting of prominent artists may be made regular feature of the cultural ties between the two time-tested friends.
She said that such kind of events would not only provide a platform to meet and exchange ideas but would also keep the heritage of nations alive.
This inventiveness is imperative for building softer and positive image as well as showcasing economic achievements, Marriyum Aurangzeb said.
The Minister directed PNCA to orchestrate a detailed and comprehensive implementation plan with timelines and fixation of responsibilities and asked other relevant departments of Ministry to fully collaborate and actively participate in this project of Cultural Caravan once it is formalised.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also emphasised the need to engage all stake holders including relevant Federal Ministries, divisions as well as provincial Governments for effective coordination and to gain maximum support to make this initiative of cultural caravan a resounding success.
The 60-member troupe comprising Chinese and Pakistani artists, musicians, dancers, photographers, anthropologists, writers and filmmakers riding on 15 fully equipped vehicles would reach Gwadar, the calumniating point in Pakistan, traversing the CPEC and documenting art and culture enroute in 30 days.
Mr. Shah told that d Caravan would pass through Athushi, Thumshuk, Shulay, Shefu, Akto and Tashgul in China, and camp at important nodal cities along the CPEC route starting from Gilgit and moving to Peshawar, Lahore, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, Quetta, Sukkur, Karachi and Gwadar.
The meeting was attended by Secretary IBNH Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera, Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Sheraz Latif, Director General, External Publicity Wing Shafqat Jalil, Managing Director, APP, Masood Malik, Director General, Pakistan National Council of Arts, Jamal Shah, Executive Director Lok Virsa Fauzia Saeed and other senior officials of Ministry of IBNH
