‘Govt taking every step for preservation, conservation of rich Cultural Heritage’
By Bushra Rafique

Islamabad—Federal Minister for Culture, Dr. G.G. Jamal has said that the present government is fully committed and taking every possible step to preserve our rich cultural heritage and transfer these to the next generation. He said this, while Chief Guest at the Book Launching Ceremony, held at the Rohtas Fort, organized by Himalayan Wildlife Foundation.
While addressing the audience, the Minister said that Pakistan has been a cradle of ancient civilizations and in the process of their rise and fall saw extensive cultural diffusion. The traces of human activity in certain parts of Pakistan dating back 700 B.C. long before the arrival of Indo-Aryan, he said.
He further stated that our rich cultural traditions especially Art and Architecture have thus seen the widest possible diffusion of Arabs, Syrians, Byzantine, Persian, Mughal and the Indians.
While shedding lights on the steps, being taken by the government for preservation cultural heritage, the Minister mentioned that in collaboration with UNESCO, we are going to get mapping and documented our heritage sites and six districts of NWFP have been selected in the first phase.
While highlighting the book, “The Rare Coins of Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babar”, the Minister said that the writer, Aman-ur-Rehman has shown great wisdom in setting out to build a collection which tells the story of Pakistan and Central Asian History and outstanding perseverance in having achieved his aims with such great success.
As mentioned above, a book launching ceremony was held at Rohtas Fort regarding rare coins of Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babar, written by Aman-ur-Rehman. The ceremony was attended by many well known personalities including Ambassador of Uzbekistan.
He said world has become a global village and western culture was influencing the life style of third world countries. Weak cultures of different societies are being influenced by western cultures.
He said young generation is confused in adopting traditions and cultural values. On the one hand, they are living in a modern world which has become a global village. On the other hand they are struggling for their distinct identity.
There are certain countries like Japan and China having set examples of achieving development while keeping their own culture alive too.
To a question he said fortunately Pakistan is enriched with one of the oldest civilizations of the world.
He said, unfortunately, in the past, Pakistani culture could not be marketed.
“Efforts are being made to rectify mistakes of the past. President Pervez Musharraf is taking keen interest for the promotion of cultural activities in the country.”
He said participation of people is must to promote culture. While the government has an important role, private sector can play a pivotal role in promotion of culture, he added.