ROTTERDAM: Minister for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rashid has said that cultural diversity is a source of innovation, inspiration and progress for society.

According to a press release issued on Monday, the minister was addressing the first plenary session of 6th Asia-Europe (Asem) culture minister’s conference.

He said culture had made it easier for people to understand each other and overcome cross-cultural barriers. Cultural industries combined the creation, production and commercialisation of creative contents. Knowledge, understanding and exploitation of creative industries not only allowed efficient use of cultural assets but also generated opportunities by linking heritage, skills, tradition and creativity that had existed for centuries in rural and urban communities, he added.

He said Pakistan had rich cultural heritage and diversity, particularly in the field of arts and crafts. The Indus River, he said, descended from the mountains in the north, passing through the green plains of Punjab and desert of Sindh, skirting Balochistan’s arid terrain before falling into the Arabian Sea.

He said the difference in culture and traditions of various regions had resulted in a wide range of arts and crafts that reflected the indigenous skills and culture environment.

Senator Rashid said the government was well aware of the enormous potential of creative industry, its economic vitality and cultural projection. Efforts were being made to promote women entrepreneurship, cluster formation and developing close linkage between industry and academia, he added.—APP

Published in Dawn, October 21st , 2014