'Promotion of art, culture indispensable for developing moderation in society'

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb addressing the launching ceremony of a book of poetry by Mazhar Nisar at the National Council of Arts here Wednesday said promotion of art and culture was absolutely indispensable for developing a culture of moderation in society and soon a cultural policy would also be announced by the present democratic government.

She said security forces had successfully fought the war against terrorism and today’s Pakistan was more secure than it was in 2013.

She said those who were killing innocent people had no religion. The minister said the nation would have to focus its attention on youth, who were 62% of the population, to eliminate terrorism from the country.

Marriyum observed that during sixties, Pakistan had a vibrant and thriving film industry which was ranked among the best film industries of the world.

She said the phenomenon of terrorism apart from financial losses and human lives had also badly affected the Pakistani culture.

The MOS said it was imperative to highlight the national narrative to project positive image of the country for which strenuous efforts were needed.

She said the government was formulating a policy for the revival of the film industry which would be announced in near future.

Marriyum informed the audience that under the proposed film policy tax rebates and other incentives would be provided besides setting up of film academies.

The minister said the real narrative of Pakistan would be highlighted through films.