Alam Zaib & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Jamal Shah announced that the upcoming Folk Heritage Festival, Lok Mela, would not only showcase the rich and diversified culture of the country but would also serve as a platform for collecting donations to support the oppressed Palestinian people who were facing the brutal Israeli aggression.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the minister unveiled a comprehensive plan designed to kick-start various cultural activities aimed at engaging the country’s youth.
He also highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage and attracting tourists. To achieve that, he said, the ministry was collaborating with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to renovate heritage sites in Islamabad.
“This year, the organizers are determined to make a meaningful difference by raising funds for the Gaza Strip victims who are braving the Israeli brutalities,” the minister added.
The effort reflected a clear stance against the prevailing status quo, with the festival adopting a broader, more humanitarian role, Jamal Shah said.
Lok Mela 2023
Pakistan’s largest folk festival, Lok Mela 2023, will be held from November 3 to 12 at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) at Garden Avenue Islamabad.
The festival would display the richness of Pakistan’s cultural diversity, featuring provincial pavilions, shopping stalls, food stalls, and musical programs.
Under the theme “Peace and Harmony through Cultural Diversity,” Lok Mela 2023 would also highlight the contributions of people from diverse communities to Pakistan’s cultural identity.
A large number of master craftsmen, folk artists, musicians, and folk dancers from all over Pakistan are expected to participate in the festival.
