ISLAMABAD – Pakistani Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday said "we can defeat terrorism and extremism by promoting and projecting of our magnificent heritage". This she said while formally inaugurating the artisans-at-work festival "Lok Mela" organized by Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) here at Shakarparian.

By projection of Pakistan's magnificent cultural heritage we can highlight the soft image of Pakistan all over the world,she said. It is policy of the government to give equal representation to all provinces and regions in projecting their traditional culture, the minister added. She said that Lok Virsa is making tremendous contribution in materializing these goals by holding a number of cultural festivals and arts, crafts and music-related activities.

We fully support Lok Virsa in all its endeavors and assure the festival participants that more opportunities will be created for them in future as well,she added.

The Minister said "I am glad that Lok Virsa, which was founded by Quaid-e-Awam, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1974, has grown to such an extent that it is now known the world over for its landmark achievements in the field of culture." (Monitoring Desk)