National Museum management discusses problems with Jamal Shah

Caretaker Federal Minister for Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah on Saturday visited different departments of the culture and heritage division in the city where he discussed with officials ways to promote culture and preserve heritage.

During his visit to the National Museum of Pakistan, Shah was briefed about different galleries and artefacts preserved at the museum. The management of the museum also informed the federal minister about administrative issues being faced by them. The federal minister gave directives to the administration on the adoption of effective and scientific methods for the preservation and conservation of different artefacts and for arranging more replicas.

He asked the administration to improve the existing infrastructure of the museum to attract more visitors.

During his visit to the Pakistan National Council of Arts Karachi, Shah issued instructions for holding musical activities more frequently. Classes for rare instruments like Sarangi, Shehnai etc. should also be included in ongoing instrumental training classes at the PNCA, Karachi, he said.

The culture minister also stressed the need for the continuation of art-related activities and encouraged youths to play their role in this regard.

Later, Shah visited the Pakistan Academy of Letters and Urdu Dictionary Board. During the visit to the latter, he encouraged the board to utilise its printing machine for printing books in Urdu. The federal minister also appreciated the idea of launching a YouTube channel for the promotion of heritage.

He assured his support and availability of the required resources for the betterment of such institutions and promotion of culture and heritage.

A day earlier on Friday, Shah visited the National Academy of Performing Arts (Napa) where he was briefed about various problems being faced by the academy that demanded an urgent government attention.

He engaged with the Napa senior management and listened to their concerns. Following a presentation, he toured the academy and spoke to the media. He emphasised the critical role of culture and heritage in fostering unity in diversity.

Later, the federal culture minister addressed the media at the Karachi Press Club and expressed the interim government's commitment to improving economic conditions.

He asked the citizens not to lose hope. Shah underscored the importance of cultural diversity, asserting that it enlightened the youth about the beauty of unity in diversity.

Highlighting his ministry's initiatives, he said the culture ministry was about to launch a new channel, Virsa, dedicated to showcasing dramas in Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Pushto, and other languages being spoken in the country.