JHELUM: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said that since Pakistan has recovered from terrorism, the government has now devised a plan to promote social and cultural activities across the country by arranging cultural shows and events.

“Now we do not get news of blasts on a daily basis and terrorists challenging the writ of the state,” he said while talking to reporters at the conclusion of a week-long Jashn-i-Jhelum here on Sunday.

Mr Chaudhry said that the celebrations to mark the arrival of spring soon after Nauroz and Holi festivals would be held every year in historic Rohtas Fort.

Jashn-i-Jhelum showcased a documentary, Dastan Darya-i-Jhelum (a tale of River Jhelum).

The river originates from the Himalayas and after flowing all the way from Kashmir merges into River Chenab in Punjab.

Week-long Jashn-i-Jhelum comes to an end

The documentary also showcased a number of personalities belonging to Jhelum, including Subedar Khudadad Khan, the first Victoria Cross of World War I, freedom fighters and comrades of the Quaid-i-Azam. Apart from them, the documentary also has a mention of Bollywood star Sunil Dutt and the two former Indian prime ministers, I.K. Gujral and Manmohan Singh, who also hailed from Jhelum.

Speaking to the participants, the information minister said the origin of word “India” was attributed to the region extending up to Taxila.

“This area is a centre also to major religions and it is time to highlight the true picture of Pakistan to the world,” the minister said, while refusing to talk about the national politics.

The concluding ceremony was attended by a sizeable number of diplomats, local and international media personnel and dignitaries of Jhelum.

The minister said tourism could not be promoted without encouraging local social activities.

“There will be seven such celebrations this year, followed by 12 next year,” Mr Chaudhry said, adding: “In all, we have finalised 16 such social and cultural events to show the real face of Pakistan to the world.”

He said a Qawwali festival in Islamabad would also be held during the upcoming Ramazan.

“This country has rich history and diversified culture but we need to bring it forward,” the minister added.

He said that celebrations like Jashn-i-Jhelum would also be held in different regions, which would eventually become self-sustaining and lead to development for various businesses.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2019