PESHAWAR, Jan 30: The government will soon appoint a permanent director of the recently established culture directorate with a view to promoting cultural activities in the province, says Minister for Culture and Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain.

Talking to a delegation of Cultural Journalists Forum here on Sunday he said all available resources were being utilised for the promotion of different languages and cultures that is identity of the province. Provincial secretary information Azmat Hanif Orakzai was also present.

The minister said another hall would be constructed adjacent to Nishtar Hall with modern art gallery and space for holding industrial and cultural exhibitions, Meena bazaars, music shows and other functions. He said the government was working on a plan to collect the writings of intellectuals from different parts of the province in various languages related to culture and languages for publication in shape of books.

Mian Iftikhar said Pakhtun belt was facing menace of terrorism, which could be countered through promoting culture.

He said different cultures and languages spoken in the province like Pashto, Hindko, Serakai, Chitrali, Kohistani and Gojri were like flowers in a bunch and their preservation and promotion was duty of the government. “These languages are our identity and part of our rich cultural heritage,” he added.

Mr Iftikhar said a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with Bacha Khan Trust Education Foundation for the establishment of a culture resource centre for promotion and preservation of art, culture and heritage.

To a question from the delegation led by Peshawar Press Club vice-president Ihtesham Toru, the minister said he had played no role in the appointment and removal of first director of the culture directorate, Nisar Mohammad Khan. Appointed on August 1, 2010 the director was removed from the post on Jan 9.

Mian Iftikhar said the culture directorate was facing funds shortage for which a summary was being sent to the chief minister.

He said appointment of a permanent director for the newly-established culture directorate was being considered.

He agreed with the proposal of holding a culture seminar by the forum on Feb 10, which he said, would be positive step towards promoting cultural activities.