Pakistan and the United Kingdom are set to enhance cultural cooperation through a series of structured initiatives, including exchange programmes and the potential use of artificial intelligence, aimed at reconnecting British-Pakistani youth with their cultural and historical heritage.
The commitment was expressed during a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, and the visiting Scottish-based politician and Chairperson of the Alba Party, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, said a report issued today.
Minister Khichi articulated the government”s plan to send cultural delegations to the UK and Europe as a means for overseas Pakistanis, especially the younger generation, to rediscover their ancestral roots. He appreciated Ms Ahmed-Sheikh”s positive vision for Pakistan.
He also highlighted that women have been appointed to key leadership roles within the ministry, making significant contributions to the advancement of cultural promotion and the preservation of national heritage.
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh stressed the need for practical measures to bridge the gap between young British-Pakistanis and their cultural identity, noting that art and cultural activities are vital in this endeavour. She also pointed to a strong spiritual connection among Muslim youth that could be further reinforced.
Underscoring the increasing importance of technology, she proposed exploring artificial intelligence as a tool for preserving and promoting Pakistan”s globally significant culture. She noted substantial potential for bilateral collaboration in cultural exchange, given the large Pakistani community residing in Britain.
Parliamentary Secretary for Culture Farah Naz Akbar, also present at the discussion, said that Pakistani cultural institutions regularly organise week-long programmes featuring drama, exhibitions, films, and music to promote national heritage.
Ms Akbar proposed sending delegations of Pakistani artists to UK cities with significant Pakistani populations to showcase the nation”s culture. The proposal was welcomed by Ms Ahmed-Sheikh, who expressed her desire to initiate such exchanges at the earliest opportunity.
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh suggested that grassroots-level engagement could be effectively achieved through mediums like poetry, fashion, drama, and music, adding that the UK government could support such efforts. In turn, Ms Akbar proposed organising joint programmes for children from both countries to create opportunities for mutual understanding.
A formal invitation was extended by Ms Ahmed-Sheikh for Pakistan to send an official cultural delegation to the UK, with a proposal to be submitted through the appropriate channels.
She praised Pakistan’s drama industry for its strong storytelling and international popularity and expressed a personal interest in producing dramas based on Pakistan’s history to educate younger generations about their lineage.
The Federal Minister assured Ms Ahmed-Sheikh of the ministry’s continued efforts to engage the overseas Pakistani community through sustained cultural initiatives.