Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi has emphasized the need to promote Pakistan’s culture among overseas Pakistanis, particularly the younger generation living in the United Kingdom, through structured cultural initiatives and exchange programs.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Scottish-based British-Pakistani politician, Chairperson of the Alba Party and former Member of the UK Parliament, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.
The meeting focused on enhancing Pakistan-UK cultural cooperation, strengthening engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, and exploring the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Aurangzeb Khichi appreciated Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh’s commitment and positive vision for Pakistan and its people. He said the Ministry is actively considering sending cultural delegations to the UK and Europe to reconnect overseas Pakistanis with their cultural roots.
He also highlighted that women have been assigned key leadership roles within the Ministry, playing an important role in cultural promotion and heritage preservation.
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh stressed the need for practical steps to connect British-Pakistani youth with Pakistan’s cultural and historical identity. She said art and cultural activities can help younger generations rediscover their roots, adding that there is also a strong spiritual connection among Muslim youth that can be further strengthened.
She underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence and suggested exploring its potential in preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage. She also highlighted the scope for collaboration between Pakistan and the United Kingdom not only in education but also in cultural exchange, particularly in view of the large Pakistani community residing in Britain.
Describing Pakistan’s culture as globally significant, Ahmed-Sheikh expressed her emotional attachment to the country due to her family roots and said she wished to contribute positively to Pakistan.
Parliamentary Secretary for Culture Farah Naz Akbar, who was also present, said Pakistan is undertaking extensive initiatives to promote culture and heritage under the leadership of the Federal Minister. She noted that cultural institutions across the country regularly organize week-long programs featuring drama, exhibitions, films and music.
She proposed sending delegations of Pakistani artists to the UK to showcase Pakistan’s culture in cities with significant Pakistani populations. Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh welcomed the proposal and expressed her interest in initiating such exchanges at the earliest.
Ahmed-Sheikh said the UK government could support efforts to promote Pakistan’s culture and emphasized the need for grassroots-level cultural engagement among overseas Pakistanis. She suggested poetry, fashion, drama and music as effective mediums for cultural outreach. Farah Naz Akbar also proposed organizing joint programs for children from both countries to promote cultural understanding.
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh invited Pakistan to send an official cultural delegation to the UK, adding that a formal proposal would be submitted through the relevant platform. She praised Pakistan’s drama industry for its strong storytelling and global popularity, and said ministries of culture play a vital role in national development.
The Federal Minister assured continued efforts to engage overseas Pakistanis, particularly in the UK and Europe, through cultural initiatives. During the meeting, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh also expressed interest in producing dramas based on Pakistan’s history to educate younger generations about the country’s heritage.
