ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid said on Monday the government was determined to support all initiatives aimed at benefiting the rural folk and projecting Pakistan's magnificent cultural heritage at national and international levels.
Addressing a ceremony of handing over of video recording and editing equipment by the Japanese government to Lok Virsa, the minister said,"Preserving of cultural heritage is a path towards peace as through it we can defeat those, who want to eliminate our rich cultural pluralism and diversity."
The Minister acknowledged the Japanese assistance in the cultural field and assured full support on behalf of his ministry and the government for effective implementation of Japan-funded cultural initiatives.
He said the Japanese government was contributing significantly to the promotion of Pakistani culture through an ongoing joint institutional cooperation programme by Lok Virsa and the Japanese Embassy.
The minister said investment in culture was linked with the protection and promotion of cultural heritage with a view to enhance and improve the image of country and boost tourism.
"Pakistan is highly rich in culture, which contains diversity, and it is also blessed with various architectural monuments, that represent a symbol of excellence," he added.
"Our socio-economic cultural links are rooted in the great Indus Valley civilization, which is 5000 years old. We are also witnessing a globalization of culture, in which people while retaining their distinct cultural origins, are finding common grounds to interact, do business and build relationships with each other."
Pervaiz Rashid said Pakistan's relations with Japan had always stood the test of time since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
"Both have convergance of views on practically all international issues and have supported each other at various world forums. We are thankful to Japan, which always came to help and rescue Pakistan in times of need and natural calamities like earthquake and devastating floods."
Speaking on the occasion, Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Hiroshi Inomata said the Lok Virsa Museum had been playing a significant role in the preservation and promotion of Pakistan's folk and traditional culture over the years.
"We, Japanese people, also adhere to our cultural norms and values, even in this age of scientific and technological development," he added.
Earlier, Executive Director of Lok Virsa Shaheera Shahid briefed the participants about the activities of her organization.
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