ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Syed Jamal Shah has said that the on-going China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan will play a key role in promoting regional and cultural connectivity.
Talking to the state-run news agency, he termed the cultural caravan journey as a unique creative event.
The director general PNCA said that filmmakers would record important aspects of cultures and communities, while artists would paint the diverse landscape and culture along the route.
This two-week long initiative would promote and explore the diversity within the geographical boundaries of the country and help in mapping out the cultural boundaries and blurring of these boundaries especially at the China-Gilgit Baltistan border.
Through the artistic interaction, the mega cultural showcasing would also help in recognizing the commonalities and differences between cultures of both countries. Through this project, the participants would preserve and document decaying cultural heritage and dying languages; and assure to preserve indigenous knowledge and promote indigenous cultural practices besides strengthening and widening the background for the economic and trade capabilities between two countries.
The Music component of Cultural Caravan organized a musical public performance led by Mehdi Raza featuring musicians from Caravan as well as special performances and collaboration with local musicians of Lahore.
National Performing Art Group-Lahore showcased special dance for the occasion. Rubab maestro Gulab Afridi and flute master Salman Adil mesmerized the audience with their performances. The guest Chinese singer and dancer showcased Chinese songs and dances. Cultural Caravan team also visited Shahi Hammam and Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore city.
Earlier, the two-week long cultural caravan troupe visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The troupe visited the Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khwani Bazaar of Peshawar and Buddhist monastery and UNESCO’s Heritage site “Takht-i-Bahi” in Mardan.
The Cultural Caravan troupe also visited different parts of Gilgit Baltistan while creating art on their journey. The troupe consists of visual artists, performing artists, musicians, and anthropologists.
