ISLAMABAD: Managing Director (MD) Pakistan BaitulMaal (PBM) Zamrud Khan on Thursday distributed cheques worth Rs 30,000 each to artisans at Lok Virsa in recognition to the services of craftspeople for the promotion of Pakistani culture. It is pertinent to mention here that on Wednesday evening Minister for National Heritage and Integration Samina Khalid Ghurki visited Lok Virsa complex to know the problems of craftspeople, confronting them in continuance of their respective crafts. Artisans requested the minister for providing some financial incentive for making new innovations in their works according to the modern day requirements by acquiring essential training and holding workshops.

Taking a sympathetic view of their demands, the minister approached MD, (PBM) Zamrud Khan and asked him for extending financial support to all artisans participating in the event.

Over 60 master artisans in different specialized craft fields such as embroidery, wax printing, tie dye, block painting, needle work, traditional doll making, traditional toys, blue poetry, shawl weaving, Ajrak, traditional bridal work, pattu weaving, lacquer work, etc. are participating in the event by way of demonstrating their skills.

Addressing the artisan community, MD BaitulMaal highly appreciated the role and contribution of Lok Virsa and Pakistan BaitulMaal for promotion and projection of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

He said, “Craftspeople are our great treasure and we will make every possible effort to highlight and promote their contribution in the national life.

Pakistani handicrafts have a lot of potential to compete in the international market. The government is providing exposure to artisans not only to display their skills at home but also abroad. The ongoing Pakistan Week is also a step forward in this direction”, he added.

Minister of State for Science and Technology, Raheela Baloch, Senator Rubina Khalid were also present on the occasion.

A large number of people from various walks of life besides artisans attended the ceremony and praised for the contribution of Lok Virsa and the Heritage Ministry for conceptualizing, planning and presenting such a unique event in a professional way.