RAWALPINDI: Musicians from Chitral enthralled the audience at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Saturday night with their folk music performance.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Amir Muqaam was invited to the event as chief guest, and was flanked by MPAs Raja Hanif and Lubna Rehan Pirzada and RAC resident director Waqar Ahmed.

The event, a cultural show focused on Chitral, was held to promote inter-provincial harmony and present the culture of other parts of the city to Rawalpindi’s residents.

The show was conducted by television anchor Mehtab Ziyab, who is from Chitral, and featured Chitrali comedians, musicians and dancers.

While addressing the gathering, Mr Muqaam said the government was committed to promoting the art and culture of all the parts of the country, adding that culture brings various kinds of people closer to each other.

He also said the government was launching development projects in other parts of the country, and was providing people the opportunity to present their talent on different platforms.

Mr Hanif said the provincial government was promoting a softer image of Punjab and other parts of the country.

He said cultural shows were held at the RAC to inform the city’s residents of the folk history of their country.

He also commended the RAC for working to promote the art and culture of Punjab and said the platform of the RAC is available to everyone to present their talent in fine art, music and other forms of art.

Mr Ahmed said the local culture of the country needs to be promoted to improve the country’s image.

He said the provincial government was also going to start music and painting competitions for young people, between the ages of 18 and 30, across the province.

“The government aims to provide the youth with a platform to explore their abilities in music and fine art.

From college studenta to workers, all can participate in these competitions if they can sing and paint,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2017