HYDERABAD, June 7: The Sindh Culture and Tourism Department is launching an FM radio from July 15 at Bhit Shah to spread the message of great Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, said the director general of the department Shams Jafrani on Thursday.

He said that the prime minister had announced establishing the radio station at the concluding session of annual Urs celebrations of the great Sufi a few months ago.

The installation of radio station was still in progress and it would commence transmission by July 15, 2007, he said and added that the government was committed to spreading love, peace, affection and brotherhood preached by the holy saints of the sub-continent, he said. The promotion of mysticism was also part of government efforts, he said.

Mr Jafrani said that Sindh had the oldest civilisation with rich culture, heritage, customs and traditions. Besides, the great saints of Sindh also played a vital role in spreading the message of Islam, he said.

Mr Jafrani said that a Cultural Complex was also being constructed at district level to boost cultural activities. The complex would include a museum, a library and an art gallery.

He said that an auditorium would also be established at the complex having ting capacity of 200 people.

The government was providing stipend of Rs1,000 a month to 282 talented artists of the province commencing from February 2007 and directives had been issued to officers concerned to publish a calendar highlighting the cultural, sports and recreational events of the province, he said.

He said that the department had selected at least 10 recreational spots in the province to provide required facilities through public-private partnership.

The department is planning to carry out improvement of Sadhu Belo, coastal areas of Thatta and places around Keenjhar Lake.

He said that the department was also developing its own website containing information on the cultural identity of every district of the province.—APP