Only art can promote country’s soft image: Mariyum

Islamabad: Minister for information and broadcasting Mariyum Aurengzeb on Wednesday said that only art could promote a positive image of Pakistan and therefore, art and culture should be promoted in the country.

Addressing a ceremony of book launch ‘The Mahogany Junction’ a poetry book written by Mazhar Nisar, at Pakistan National Council of the Arts here on Wednesday, she said that such literary activities should be encouraged as it brings people together and celebrate diversity.

Ms. Mariyam stressed the need for books which can be used to change the prevalent mindset, and polish the youth of the country, which otherwise would become a liability to the country. She also stressed the importance of film industry of the state that could help in endorsing the true image of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General of the PNCA Syed Jamal Shah said art had the ability to engage people intimately with their surroundings. "It helps human beings evolve into productive individuals who are duly trained and sensitized to modern ideas of diversity and democratic principles which provides for the foundation of a tolerant society, a society that encourages positive dialogue," he said.

Saira Afzal Tarar, Federal Minister for National Health Services Regulation and Coordination stated that it is very unfortunate that the current generation is drifting away from the literature. “If we want to teach our children how important diversity and tolerance is for the society, we need to bring them toward literature,” he added.

Ms Tarrar said culture was the only element that united the country. She said artists had an important role to play in helping eliminate terrorism from the country. Both ministers appreciated PNCA’s efforts and said that with the new management, it keeps us entertained by arranging events like art exhibitions, music concerts, music festivals, film festivals and theatre.

DG PNCA Jamal Shah applauded the efforts of the government and the writer in realizing the importance of national culture in propagating the heritage of Pakistan. Other renowned speakers including Ejaz Rahim, Haris Khaleeq, Shabnam Riaz, Dr. Maqsood Jaffry, Adnan Rehmat, and Irfan Ahmad praised the efforts and creativity of the author. The speakers admired the depth in Mazhar’s poetry, the metaphors and use of paradoxes, and said that the range of his subjects are much diversified. He has the capacity to express long stories in short poems something which the Western poets to this day have not been able to accomplish.