LAHORE: The Seraiki Culture Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across wasaib on Wednesday.

The event, aimed at promoting the rich culture of the Seraiki belt, was marked by a series of festivities and culture activities.

The day began with a gathering at the Multan Tea House, where Seraiki nationalists, political parties, civil society members, and students celebrated their heritage. Dressed in blue Seraiki Ajrak, attendees participated in traditional Saraiki Jhoomer (dance) and enjoyed local songs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended their greetings on the occasion.

They reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting local languages, literature, and cultures of all regions in the country.

The prime minister highlighted the beauty of the Seraiki region, rich in diverse cultures and traditions, and praised the immense contributions of Saraiki writers to literature, poetry, and music.

The chief minister emphasized that Punjab is the guardian of Pakistan’s culture and ancient traditions.

She acknowledged the significant role of the Seraiki land in giving birth to eminent personalities who have become an asset to Pakistan.

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Wasaib on the occasion of Seraiki Culture Day.

He said that Wasaib is the cradle of a rich heritage, vibrant language, and resilient people. “Seraiki people, with their warmth, hospitality, and deep-rooted Culture values, exemplify the essence of unity in diversity,” he added.

PPP Senior Vice Chairman and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also extended his best wishes to the Seraiki Wasaib and Saraikis living all over the country.

He emphasized the richness of Saraiki culture, filled with morals, tolerance, love, peace, and hospitality. He noted that the culture, which is thousands of years old, has always promoted peace and tranquility.

Gilani strongly advocated for the establishment of a separate province for the Saraiki Wasaib, calling it a right.

He stated that the Pakistan People’s Party respects all cultures and that the creation of a separate province for the Saraiki nation is included in their top priorities.

Saraikistan National Council Chairman Zahoor Dhareja said the Seraiki Culture Day, celebrated on March 6, should be recognized and celebrated at the government level.

He expressed these thoughts while addressing the ceremony of Seraiki Ajrak Day.

Dhareja emphasized that just as Sindhi and Punjabi Culture Day are celebrated at the government level, so should Saraiki Culture Day.

He asserted that the Seraiki nation is not begging but demanding their right to be given their historical, Culture, and geographical rights, just like other nations living in Pakistan.

He highlighted that culture is a reflection of nature and those who fight against nature always fail. He called for an end to the treatment of the Seraiki people akin to the Bengalis.

Addressing the youth, he reminded them that they are the heirs of a thousand-year-old civilization and it is their right to take pride in their history, culture, and civilization.

Dhareja described the Seraiki land as a land filled with the love of Seraiki Sufis. He pledged to continue promoting love through their culture and to continue the struggle for the rights of Wasaib and the establishment of the province of Seraikistan.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2024