Mahnoor Ansar
ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (dna):Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with the United States as he jointly inaugurated the “Let Freedom Ring” American Liberty Bell display with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andy Halus at the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the minister congratulated the American nation on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of U.S. Independence and extended heartfelt wishes on behalf of the people of Pakistan.
Khichi said people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation remained among the strongest pillars of the longstanding bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States. Although Pakistan is a younger republic, he said, it shares the ideals of constitutional democracy, individual liberty and economic self-determination that inspired the American Dream.
He said it was a pleasure to host the exhibition at Lok Virsa, an institution that has long served as the custodian of Pakistan’s living cultural heritage.
The exhibition, he added, reflects the cultural, artistic and political connections between Pakistan and the United States while celebrating the rich traditions of both nations.
Highlighting the creativity of Pakistani artists, the minister said Pakistan possesses extraordinary artistic talent, with artists from across the country expressing the aspirations of the nation through their work.
He praised the 16 Pakistani artists who transformed life-size replicas of the iconic American Liberty Bell into unique artistic expressions, saying their work demonstrated that art transcends borders, languages and history.
The minister said Pakistan and the United States enjoy a broad-based relationship founded on mutual respect and shared objectives.
He emphasized that cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges continue to strengthen bilateral ties and expressed confidence that such partnerships would further deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Referring to growing cultural cooperation, Khichi said Pakistan was pleased to join the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. He noted that the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation has remained an important initiative in promoting heritage conservation and cultural collaboration between the two countries.
He also highlighted the successful repatriation of more than 450 valuable Pakistani cultural artifacts from the United States, valued at nearly US$23 million, saying the achievement was made possible through close cooperation between the two countries. He acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division and the U.S. Mission in Pakistan for maintaining close coordination, which has further strengthened bilateral cooperation in the cultural sector.
Calling for further strengthening Pakistan-U.S. friendship through sustained cultural collaboration and people-to-people engagement, the minister said culture remains one of the strongest bridges connecting the people of the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andy Halus said cultural heritage serves as a powerful bridge between Pakistan and the United States, highlighting the successful partnership between the two countries in preserving history and promoting mutual understanding through art and culture.
He thanked the federal minister Aurangzeb Khichi for the close cooperation that led to the successful recovery and repatriation of more than 450 Pakistani cultural artifacts, valued at nearly US$23 million, earlier this year, saying the joint effort reflected the importance both countries attach to cultural heritage.
Describing Lok Virsa Heritage Museum as the ideal venue for launching the Liberty Bell project, Halus said the institution’s commitment to preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage made it a fitting place to celebrate both American and Pakistani creativity, culture and the universal ideals of freedom.
Recalling his personal connection with the Liberty Bell, he said he was born in Philadelphia, where the historic monument remains one of America’s most cherished symbols of independence and freedom. While planning celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, he said, it was natural to place the Liberty Bell at the heart of commemorative activities in Pakistan.
