ISLAMABAD: We will use culture and the power of music and film to liberate the country from terrorism and intolerance, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Friday.

“Through artists, we will win the perception war and tell the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country with an envious culture and heritage,” Ms Aurangzeb said at the inauguration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan Festival.

The three-day festival will open on Saturday at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The council will host discussions during the National Artists Convention featuring artists across the country, as well as performances of Chinese and Pakistani music, dance, fashion, film screenings, art and photography exhibitions and special performances by Saeen Khawar, Gulshan Jehan and the Niazi Brothers.

Ms Aurangzeb said at the inauguration that it was time for the artists’ community to be acknowledged, appreciated and, above all, empowered.

“Artists are guardians of this country and its culture, to carry Pakistan out of challenging times. Like all other areas, artists too have face challenges in the war against terror. Let us strengthen the artists’ community,” she said.

She said the country’s first cultural policy would help revive film, music and the broadcast industry to present the narrative of a peaceful Pakistan.

Ms Aurangzeb called on the media to promote the event and said it would help people understand the tradition and culture of China and of Pakistan.

The minister also praised the PNCA’s Cultural Caravan initiative, which consists of a diverse group of Chinese and Pakistani artists, musicians, dancers, photographers, anthropologists, writers and filmmakers.

The caravan travelled from Xi’an in China to Gwadar, documenting and reflecting upon the land, life and people along CPEC last November.

Ms Aurangzeb said CPEC was the corridor of the people, culture and exchange of social value systems between the two countries.

In response to a question on the welfare of artists, Ms Aurangzeb said they should use this opportunity to demand their rights to pensions and medical facilities after retirement.

The festival and seminars aim to showcase the caravan and deliberate on the measures, policies and regulatory frameworks to be implemented in order to benefit from the opportunities presented by the creative economy, culture and creative industries.

PNCA Director General Jamal Shah said the festival would highlight art as a necessity and the status of culture.

He said art and artists could emancipate the people, and emphasized artists’ welfare.

“Artists have seen tough times, especially after their retirement. It should not be so. Artists are empowered individuals who help transform communities into informed decision makers, encourage dialogue and combat intolerance,” he said.

He added that artists would also draw a charter of demands for the prime minister’s consideration on their requirements.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2018