Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday launched “Naqoosh-i-Watan – A National Cultural Narrative,” a landmark national initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s cultural identity, preserving its rich heritage and promoting national unity through a shared cultural narrative.
Pakistan unveils ‘Naqoosh-i-Watan’ to promote national cultural identity
ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday launched “Naqoosh-i-Watan – A National Cultural Narrative,” a landmark national initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s cultural identity, preserving its rich heritage and promoting national unity through a shared cultural narrative.
The National Heritage and Culture Division organized the launch ceremony at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), which was attended by Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman, Dr. Niaz Ahmad, ambassadors of various countries, federal secretaries, senior officials, representatives of educational, cultural and research institutions, and a large number of people from different walks of life.
Addressing the ceremony, Khichi said Pakistan’s cultural diversity is its greatest strength and stressed that a shared national narrative is essential for promoting culture and preserving the country’s heritage.
He said the National Heritage and Culture Division has completed 655 activities since March 2025, while nearly 300,000 people participated in Lok Mela 2025.
He added that more than 270,000 readers benefited from the National Library, the Pakistan Academy of Letters organized 434 literary activities, and 1,252 cultural artefacts have been brought back to the country, marking a major achievement in heritage preservation.
The minister said 12 international cultural agreements and exchange programmes have been concluded during the past year, adding that culture can play a vital role in creating employment, promoting tourism, enhancing exports and strengthening the national economy.
Describing Naqoosh-i-Watan as a comprehensive national narrative linking cultural heritage with national unity and economic development, Khichi urged provincial governments, universities, media organizations, the private sector and overseas Pakistanis to adopt and promote the initiative.
He said the narrative has been prepared in consultation with all provincial governments and welcomed public suggestions for its continuous improvement.
Sindh Governor, Nihal Hashmi said Sindh represents thousands of years of civilization, culture and Sufi traditions and remains a symbol of love, tolerance, hospitality and interfaith harmony.
He said the message of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai promotes peace, justice and humanity, while Ajrak, the Sindhi cap and traditional handicrafts are integral to Sindh’s cultural identity and an important source of livelihood.
He said Karachi is home to people of diverse religions, cultures and ethnicities, adding that the cultures of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir together constitute Pakistan’s shared national heritage.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar called for encouraging serious research on Pakistan’s cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge in universities. She said national cultural heritage should become an effective and regular part of the curriculum.
She described Naqoosh-i-Watan as a living national asset that should continue to evolve through research, participation and continuous improvement.
She said success should not be measured by the number of events but by raising a generation that understands its cultural roots, respects diversity and possesses a strong sense of national identity.
HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar said Pakistan’s culture and national identity form the foundation of the country’s progress and dignity. He described the launch of Naqoosh-i-Watan as a timely and significant national initiative and said promoting Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage is a shared national responsibility.
The ceremony also featured patriotic songs, musical performances and colourful cultural dances, highlighting Pakistan’s rich cultural traditions and drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience.
