ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Samina Khalid Ghurki on Wednesday said some elements had been trying to project negative image of Pakistan but “we can beat them through projection of our culture”.

She was speaking at a cultural gala in which ambassadors, charge d’ affairs and other diplomats of over 35 countries participated.

Concept behind the gala, held at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) was to project soft image of Pakistan.

The gala showed that Pakistan is inheritor of a long and varied history, rich in cultural heritage rooted over 5,000 years ago. Pakistan has a rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage, dance, music, customs and traditions that make it unique among other nations.

Function kicked off with a Dhol and Chimta Performance by Abid Hussain and fellows which enthralled the audience.

Then Texila Odyssey Dance was performed by National Performing Art Group. Taxila Odessy is a flashback of Gandhara civilisation, stretched over two millennia.

Minister of State for Science and Technology Rahila Baloch, Pir Aftab Shah Jilani and other parliamentarians also participated in the gala.