Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari met Ben Warrington, Head of the British High Commission in Lahore, on Friday and discussed promotion of cultural activities in Punjab, revival of theatre, safe Basant celebrations and further strengthening cultural ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Punjab Information Secretary Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani and Senior Political Adviser at the British High Commission Owais Shah were also present. Ben Warrington appreciated the initiatives taken by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz in the cultural sector and welcomed the successful holding of the safe Basant festival in Punjab.
He said very good steps were being taken for revival of cultural festivals in the province. “I personally enjoy learning about Punjab’s rich culture,” he said. He termed the renovation project of the Alhamra Arts Council highly commendable and said he was excited about Basant 2027 in Punjab. He added that Lahore had also witnessed a very good Basant celebration last year. Azma Bokhari said revival of theatre in Punjab was a mission of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. “Family theatre is being revived in Punjab, while revival of theatre and elimination of obscenity remain among our top priorities,” she said.
She said successful stage plays had been presented at Alhamra to promote revival of theatre. The large number of families attending theatre shows at Alhamra was evidence of public acceptance, she added.
The minister said efforts were being made to further promote cultural ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. “Punjab and the British High Commission in Lahore can work together in the field of culture,” she said.
She also invited Ben Warrington to attend the Culture Festival.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Azma Bokhari presented a commemorative gift to Ben Warrington.
