RAWALPINDI: It is festival time in Punjab as the ‘Sohna Punjab Festival’ organized by the provincial government, starts today at divisional headquarters of Punjab.

Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Rana Muhammad Arshad stated at a press briefing at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Monday that the purpose is to promote the culture of the Punjab.

In Rawalpindi, private function organizers will showcase that culture at the Nawaz Sharif Public Park, also known as Shamsabad Public Park. The festival will continue till August 30.

Rana Arshad informed media persons that “grand inaugural ceremonies” will be held on Tuesday at all divisional headquarters to provide recreational entertainment facilities to citizens. The event has been arranged in connection with the Independence Day celebrations.

Media entertainment managements will bear all the expenses on the 26-day long Sohna Punjab Festival, he said, making it clear that neither the federal nor provincial government, nor any other government institution provided any funds.

“No entry fee and no vehicle parking fee will be charged,” he said. “The prime objective of the event is to introduce the handicraft and artistic work of craftsmen and artists besides encouraging entertainment activities.”

His remarks came in response to a question whether the organizers charged any money for setting up stalls in the fair. He said that the government did not give funds to this.

Rana Arshad praised the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in strengthening the national economy with foreign investments. He specially mentioned $46 billion Chinese investment in the massive China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, which, he said, “will open a new era of economic prosperity in Pakistan.”

Replying to a question, the parliamentary secretary said that Punjab government was extending financial assistance to deserving artists. Rs20 million have been earmarked by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for the purpose and Rs5 million of the fund would be released this fiscal year.

In reply to another question, he said that directives have been issued to strictly apply the laws to stop “obscene and objectionable dialogues” allegedly used in some stage dramas.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2015

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