Maldives President, First Lady explore Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage at Lok Virsa

ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP):President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady, Sajidha Mohamed expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage during their visit to the Lok Virsa Museum on Thursday, exploring the country’s diverse regional traditions, indigenous craftsmanship and artistic legacy.

Executive Director Lok Virsa, Muhammad Waqas Saleem and other officials welcomed the visiting dignitaries and conducted their tour of the museum, briefing them on the cultural significance of its collections and the institution’s efforts to preserve and promote Pakistan’s folk and traditional heritage.

Moving through the museum’s galleries, the Maldivian President and the First Lady viewed exhibits reflecting the distinctive identities of Pakistan’s regions, from intricate embroidery and traditional textiles to pottery, woodwork and other forms of indigenous art.

The displays offered a glimpse into the creativity of local artisans and the cultural traditions that continue to shape communities across the country.

The distinguished guests took interest in the exhibits portraying traditional lifestyles, regional customs and artistic practices handed down through generations, gaining an insight into the cultural richness that defines Pakistan’s national heritage.

Muhammad Waqas Saleem explained how Lok Virsa documents and showcases the country’s diverse cultural expressions, helping preserve traditional skills and ensuring that the knowledge and craftsmanship of local communities remain accessible to future generations.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar were also present during the visit.

They joined the engagement with the visiting dignitaries and highlighted the importance of introducing international guests to Pakistan’s cultural wealth and longstanding traditions of hospitality.

The visit offered a glimpse of Pakistan beyond its political and diplomatic engagements, bringing its living traditions, regional diversity and artistic heritage into focus.

It also underscored the role of cultural interaction in fostering mutual appreciation and strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the Maldives.

Lok Virsa, also known as the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, serves as a national repository of Pakistan’s folk culture, preserving and showcasing the traditional arts, crafts and cultural practices of communities from across the country.

The visit formed part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day official visit to Pakistan. During the second day of his visit, the Maldivian President and the First Lady also visited the Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, exploring landmarks that reflect the country’s national identity, history and architectural heritage.