BAHAWALPUR, Oct 2: The Pakistan government is finalizing its new cultural policy with a view to preserving the national heritage.

This was given out by Unesco representative Dr Jorge Sequeira while addressing the gathering at a three-day Cholistan heritage festival at the historic Darbar Mahal here on Saturday.

The Darbar Mahal was restored to its original shape by the army's Pelican division in coordination with the Unesco, the district government and the Caravan Pakistan Heritage.

Talking to Dawn later on, Dr Sequeira said the Unesco was cooperating with the Pakistan government in preserving its national heritage.

He expressed the hope that the proposed draft of the new cultural policy would be submitted to the quarters concerned for consideration by December this year.

Punjab education minister Imran Masood, chief guest on the occasion, praised the work of schoolchildren, which he said, would help in building confidence among them.

The minister claimed that the Punjab government was also taking solid measures for the preservation of the national heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Caravan Pakistan Heritage chairperson Ms Yasmeen Lari said the restoration of Darbar Mahal had set a wonderful example of conserving old and neglected sites in the country.

She said that she would take the children's paintings to Balochistan, Taxila and Peshawar to create awareness among people for the preservation of national heritage.

Prince Saeedul Rashid Abbasi, son of the late Nawab, also attended the function on a special invitation.

FOKKERS: The PIA will replace old Fokker aircraft on Bahawalpur-Lahore and Karachi routes by December this year. This was disclosed by PIA district manager Zakir Husain while talking to Dawn here.