Hafsa Mustansar
OUR age is an age of economic growth that directly links with the tourism development in the perspective of Pakistan. Pakistan, which has been the main hub of cultural activities since ancient times, has a great potential towards sustainable development in tourism sector. Pakistan has confluence of various types of tourism. Due to having Arabian Sea, it holds great significance in introducing beach tourism as well as dessert tourism; it would be a monumental step towards the sustainable development.
Multilateralism is a buzzword now days and after the 75th session of United Nations, representatives of almost all countries emphasized on strengthening the diplomatic avenues for cooperation in terms of shared interests. In the essence of multilateralism, multiculturalism is a phenomenon that needs attention in the hour of crippling economy. As the sixth wave of globalization is known to happen as the age of new technology. For strengthening the concept of multiculturalism, the information revolution may play vital role.
Due to changing dynamics of the world for cooperation they have main interest towards enhancing cultural ties for socio-economic development because of shared history. In the light of this aspiration for Pakistan, China would create more avenues of multiculturalism. China was leader in world technology and invented cultural friendly technology. In cultural heritage, the inclusion of science and technology is soaring day by day. Mostly countries are introducing technologies in their museums by following international standards. In this regard, Pakistan’s struggle is not slow. Sharmeen Obaid Chenoy Oscar winning lady has established first digitalized museum of history in April 2018. In the age of technological revolution or sixth wave of globalization that means interconnectedness of goods, services, finance, ideas, people, in their movements and the interaction of nation states. Interconnectedness of different cultures through the occurrence of multiculturalism would offer a great chance of peace dialogue between cultures that have radically different perspectives.
As we have believed that in globalization, the process of innovation and diffusion is fundamental. Keeping this view in our mind, we should follow the wisdom of our brotherly country China and start taking initiatives in this aspect. Peshawar’s revival plan and initiation of film industry museum in Peshawar near Qissakhwani Bazar to dedicate the largest film industry of Indian subcontinent would be a golden opportunity to boost boom of tourism.
China introduced cultural technologies in their museums and amidst the peak of COVID-19 infection, they got benefits from their museums due to installation of technology there. Through virtual themed exhibitions, they promoted their cultural heritage. They have 4-D theatres that presents 3-D movies in their museums with the environmental effects including smell and touch. Owing to the importance of One Belt One Road initiative China and Pakistan agree to safeguard common interests, strengthen cooperation in all areas. Doubtlessly both countries have everlasting strategic relations and their endeavours are based upon the connectivity vision between and within Asia and Europe.
By escalating the talks and meetings on this aspect or introducing special wing on cultural heritage, we can learn from China the best use of cultural technology for showing relevancy in the economically growing world. Through these activities or ventures, we also fulfil the sustainable development goals. In the decade of action, prompt actions are essential to keep the momentum for the social and economic development. Sustainable development in its true essence means as the way of understanding the complexities or complicated challenges that impeded growth of nation. For the economic wellbeing and prosperity, increasing cultural understanding is a good step that could further be enforced through introducing or implementing cultural policies. Making of cultural policies is essential for growth in the cultural spectrum. Every field requires some policies for its smooth running. In the light of these challenges and obscurities in the cultural field, governance should reorient their interests. As it is rightly said, through ashes we would rise!
—The author is MPhil in Asian Studies from QAU, Islamabad. She contributes to national dailies occasionally.
