Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, saying that cultural diversity remained a vital source of national unity, social harmony and sustainable development.
In his message on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development being observed on May 21, the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community with renewed commitment and resolve to celebrate the richness of culture, civilization and shared human heritage.
He said the occasion highlighted the important role of cultural heritage in promoting social inclusion, mutual respect and intellectual solidarity at both national and global levels.
The prime mnister described Pakistan as a vibrant country enriched with diverse cultures, languages, traditions and civilizational values, adding that this diversity was a defining feature of the country’s national identity and collective strength.
He said positive cultural values significantly contributed to national unity, tolerance, mutual respect and social harmony.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government remained firmly committed to a comprehensive policy framework aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
He said the National Heritage and Culture Division was actively engaged in the preservation, documentation and promotion of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The prime minister said strengthening cultural institutions, supporting artisans and creative communities, and integrating cultural initiatives into national development planning were among the government’s key priorities.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts at the international level, he said initiatives were under way to secure UNESCO recognition for Ajrak, Rabab and Glacier Grafting on the cultural heritage lists.
He said the government had also launched initiatives such as the “Creative Economy Accelerator” to empower artisans and improve their access to national and international markets.
Similarly, he added, the “Digital Cultural Platform” and the “Heritage Marketplace” had been introduced to promote Pakistani cultural products globally and create employment opportunities.
The prime minister said the establishment of the “Centre of Excellence for National Cohesion and Outreach (CENCO)” reflected the government’s commitment to promoting national harmony, dialogue and cultural cohesion.
He noted that these initiatives collectively reflected the government’s policy of recognising culture as a powerful driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and economic opportunity.
Calling upon civil society, educational institutions, youth and other stakeholders to play their role, the prime minister urged them to contribute towards preserving cultural heritage and promoting shared positive values to strengthen national unity and intellectual solidarity.
