Pakistan’s cultural infrastructure to be developed to attract Chinese tourists: Jamal Shah

Beijing: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Syed Jamal Shah Tuesday said that concrete steps are being taken to develop cultural infrastructure in Pakistan aimed at attracting international tourists especially from China.

“We have beautiful sites, terrains and landscapes, which can attract tourists from all over the world especially from China. We just have to develop the infrastructure ensuring easy and safe access for the tourists to our cultural sites,” he told APP during screening of Batie Girl co-produced by China and Pakistan at newly built auditorium of Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB).

The minister who is on a three-day official visit of China said that there are many sites in the country which are attractive for Chinese tourists, adding, “We will be developing them.”

About cultural facilities in the federal capital, he said that as far as Islamabad is concerned, the federal government is responsible for that. The cultural infrastructure built by CDA, that will be revamped and revive.

He said that there are many places which were built to promote culture but they’ve never been used for at least three decades. “I’m going to develop these places and turn them into hubs of activities.”

Jamal Shah said that these places will become not only a good reason for the artists to earn a respectable livelihood, but also will be contributing to the cultural life of Islamabad.

He informed that technology is being acquired from China to conserve, develop and promote cultural heritage.

Pakistan has a great cultural heritage which needs to be attended to very carefully, he said and added, “We have to develop a cultural infrastructure in Pakistan. I think China will always be there to help us”

Updating on culture corridor, the minister opined that the cultural corridor should have been the strongest character. “Not because I am an artist myself. But art and culture are the latest possible means of communication which is the most effective.”

He said that are and culture are most effective and harmless because art and culture have never destroyed any civilization.” So, we have to give a fair chance to art and culture.”

To a question about more movie to be co-produced by China and Pakistan in near future, the minister said that he plans to produce more films with the Chinese counterparts and added, there are many stories that can be turned into very informative films.