ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah on Wednesday reiterated the launch of a new heritage channel, Virsa, dedicated to presenting dramas in Punjabi, Balochi, Sindhi, Pushto, and other languages.
The minister expressed his views in a meeting with Managing Director (MD) of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Muhammad Asim Khichi, during his visit to the offices of the premier news agency where he was briefed about the organization’s efforts to promote local languages and the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
He emphasised the importance of culture and heritage in fostering unity in diversity.
The APP MD assured the minister of his organization’s full support for the launch of the Virsa Channel, highlighting the pivotal role of films and dramas in educating the youth and shaping societal values.
The minister expressed concern about the diminishing production of dramas at Pakistan Television (PTV), stressing the need to revive the local drama industry instead of broadcasting foreign content.
He said that no country could move forward unless its people had a strong cultural identity linking its people to their homeland.
Shah also discussed his ministry’s plans to rejuvenate cultural sites in Islamabad, which could be used as platforms by artists to showcase their talent.
He said the caretaker government’s tenure was short, but he wanted to take some good initiatives that the elected government could carry forward.
Shah said after the 18th Amendment, heritage sites were given under the control of provinces. He articulated the ministry’s intention to collaborate with the provinces in preserving these significant sites. —APP
