ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah on Friday discussed the proposed plan with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman to revitalise and revamp cultural infrastructure built by the civic body.
During a meeting with CDA Chairman retired Capt Anwarul Haq, the minister said Bagh-i-Shuhada would be inaugurated on September 6 in a graceful ceremony followed by a musical concert aiming to pay tributes to the martyrs and art exhibition at Islamabad Art Gallery.
Jamal Shah said cultural sites should be upgraded and revamped which not only gave a new look to the federal capital but also promoted the country’s cultural heritage. The two agreed to continue work together on the said proposals and also practically visit the cultural sites for devising an upgradation and revamping plan.
They also discussed the modalities for establishing cinemas in the federal territory. The concept of Art City or ‘Huner Gaon’ for creative contribution was also discussed which would be offered to artisans and writers after specially-designed residence studios, workshops and display places. Besides, it was proposed to allot plots particularly for establishing cinemas in the city.
Jamal Shah desired to establish an Art City and special housing society for creative contributors by the ministry and its attached departments offering residential, studio, workshops, shops and gallery plots of different categories to visual and performing artists, artisans and writers.
The Art City would be sponsored by all attached institutions of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.
He appreciated the idea of redesigning the Red Zones gates and beautify the capital. The chairman said the CDA and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) would try to help the ministry find an affordable piece of land.
Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2023
