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ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP):The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Division Thursday issued strong directives for preserving Allama Iqbal’s legacy, strengthening interfaith harmony coordination and enhancing Pakistan’s cultural projection at home and abroad.
Chaired by MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, the Committee took these decisions during its fourth meeting, held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).
After approval of the minutes of the previous session, the Committee reviewed the compliance report on earlier recommendations.
Briefing the Committee on the preservation of Allama Iqbal’s heritage, the Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division informed members that the Iqbal Academy Pakistan had already conducted and recorded interviews with the Poet of the Nation’s son and daughter.
The interviews covering Iqbal’s life, work, and philosophy were under compilation and editing for publication.
The Committee recommended that these interviews be published in book form before Allama Iqbal’s 150th birthday, in addition to being shared on social media platforms.
It further advised that year-long celebrations marking Iqbal’s 150th birthday be held in schools, colleges, and universities to meaningfully engage the youth.
Regarding the previously proposed Coordination Committee on Interfaith Harmony and Cultural Enhancement, the Secretary apprised the members that the Terms of Reference and composition, featuring both federal and provincial representation, had been finalised and submitted to the National Assembly Secretariat.
The Standing Committee directed that the documents be forwarded to the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly for approval and further necessary action.
The Director General PNCA presented a detailed briefing on the organisation’s functions, including its educational courses, national day events, VVIP visits, youth workshops, and both local and international exhibitions.
After the briefing, the Committee recommended that PNCA intensify the projection of its cultural activities, particularly those conducted abroad, to better showcase Pakistan’s cultural identity on the global stage.
It was also decided that the Committee’s next meeting would be held in Karachi.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Natasha Daultana, Samar Haroon Bilour, Saeeda Jamshid, Shaista Khan, Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, Saba Talpur, Naeema Kishwer Khan, and Sanjay Perwani.
Senior officials from the National Heritage and Culture Division were also present.