ISLAMABAD, Dec 30: The Ministry of Culture on Thursday launched its official website – www.culture.gov.pk – with an illustrated tour of the rich history and living traditions of the ancient seat of great civilisations.

History, folk traditions, crafts, music, literature, folklore and archaeological sites are given a representation through the website, providing the visitor a broad vista of the depth and variety of Pakistan's culture.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Shah Jilani said the ministry promotes documentation, preservation, conservation and development of Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage, which would now be highlighted through its website.

Secretary Ministry of Culture Moinul Islam Bukhari appreciated the efforts of the youth who helped prepared the website. He also mentioned the efforts of the members of Senate and National Assembly standing committees on Culture for taking interest in website. He said a team of Lok Virsa and PNCA provided maximum information culture and historical record of cultural development in the country.

The website highlights ministry's primary responsibilities for the promotion of culture and the arts through its attached departments and subordinate organisations.

The website throws light on various aspects of Pakistani culture through its sections on 'Land and People', 'Historical Perspective', 'Cultural Heritage' and 'Archaeological Heritage'.

The section of 'Cultural Heritage' focuses on language, literature, arts, crafts, music, dance, dresses, ornaments, traditional foods, customs, traditions, fairs and festivals of Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkwha, Punjab and Sindh.

According to the website, Pakistan has a rich and varied history. The oldest remains of human activity were found in the Soan Valley of the Potohar region. The antiquity of these relics of the Stone Age is estimated at about two million years.

The Ministry of Culture is responsible for showcasing Pakistani culture at home and abroad through the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) and Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).—APP