Government to preserve national heritage
By Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—"Pakistan was blessed with richcultural heritage and government would take measures for its promotion and preservation," said Federal Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs, Khawaja Saad Rafiq.
During his visit to National Heritage Museum, Lok Virsa here, the minister called for preserving the birds for showcasing them in the museum instead of their statues made from stones to make the museum more attractive for visitors. He stressed the need for establishing of museums showcasing and highlighting the post arrival of the Muslim warrior Muhammad Bin Qasim and its positive impact on the lifestyle on the society which had led to the promotion and propagation of Islam in the subcontinent.
"There is a need for establishing of Museums in different parts of the country apart from the existing Museums at historical places of Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar to highlight the rich historical and cultural heritage of Pakistan," he added. He directed the Lok Virsa administration to ensure and expeditearranging exhibitions process of the national heritage of the country and also submit recommendations for the promotion of country's rich heritage.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Lok Virsa, Ethnology Museum and National Monument, Uxi Mufti briefed the minister about the museum and steps taken preserving rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. The Minister took keen interest in the art pieces displayed in themuseum depicting the traditions of Pakistan including from the interior Sindh.
He lauded the efforts of Lok Virsa for capturing the glimpses ofGhandhara civilization, remains of Moenjodaro and the tools those had been used during olden periods including pottery items, wood carving, stone and clay made utensils. From Northern Areas to the borders, the museum encourages and sponsors research in the regional languages, cultural history, arts, crafts and all related aspects of folklore including folk romances, folktales, ethnotechnology, ethnomusicology, ethnological data, history of folk literature and oral traditions of the country.