Intl Monument day today
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—The International day of Monuments and historic sites would be celebrated on April 18 across the Globe including Pakistan with an aim of preserving endangered monuments, sites and cultural landscapes.
“Monuments reflect the culture and traditions of a region to keep them alive,” said Minister for Culture, Saad Rafique while talking to newsmen here on Thursday. Highlighting the importance of monuments, he said that there was no proper arrangement for the maintenance of historical architectures but these can be preserved and maintained through monuments .
He said that it is also the responsibility of every citizen including visitors to keep them neat and clean and avoid writings texts on their walls and sites.
“The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and folklore is instrumental in maintaining the identity of the people and strengthening unity,” he remarked.
Talking about newly built National Monument here at Shakarparian, he said that “It is the most beautiful building which has further added to the beauty of Federal Capital and promoted domestic tourism.”
However, the recreational spot lacks, children playing area and food outlets while the open air theatre in the premises of National Monument should be a part of the building to showcase Pakistani traditions through folk theatres and cultural events, he remarked. “We are currently focusing on strengthening ties with the cultural ministries of Iran, China, Bangladesh and India to promote our cultural heritage in the Central Asia,” he said.
He further said that a draft of cultural policy would be sent to all stake holders including members of parliament, literary figures and other persons to revise the effective cultural policy of Pakistan.