KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged national leaders to stop glorifying violence in the society.
“It’s about time we stop glorifying violence,” the PPP chief said while addressing an event organised at Karachi’s Expo Centre in connection with the Asia film festival on Monday.
Bilawal laid emphasis on importance of diversity in order to counter terrorism which, he said, had managed to instill fear among the masses. Pakistan has lost so much to terrorism,” he said. “Promote cinema for peace.”
He went on to say: “Pakistan is a nation of diversity. Our culture is an amalgamation of centuries of various ethnicities, religions and beliefs. The people of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan – all come together to weave the fabric of our rich and intricate culture.”
He added, “We have always believed in and spread the message of peace, tolerance and co-existence, not only within the country but also in other regions, through inter-cultural interactions and classical literature, based on unity in diversity and inclusiveness. We are infused with the belief that we must accept diversity and respect diversity – and that this embodies the true spirit of our national character.”
“Art and culture can reignite the flame of creativity self-expression,” Bilawal said and added, “I urge all segments of the society to get united so we give our people a new direction, space to celebrate diversity,” he said, adding: “I am confident that the Asia Peace Film Festival is a step in the right direction. I suggest the Sindh government to take such festivals to the grass-root level.”
Bilawal said he believed the initiative had the potential of mainstreaming several perspectives and experiences of diversified communities in the society. I firmly stand by the belief that art and cultural activities serve as an avenue for coping with the past – no matter how tormented – and imagining alternate scenarios to the reality of conflict.
The PPP chairman further said, “Youth is unfortunately at the forefront of violent conflicts as more and more young people were being conditioned to idealise the forces of death and terror.” He continued that in such a situation, one instrumental factor could be to portray the real truth about life, humanity, compassion, justice and the truth of themselves.
The Pakistan People’s Party, he said, had always been the only progressive and enlightened force in this country. “Whenever in government, we have not only promoted the arts, but have actively encouraged artistic expression by providing avenues for the same. In light of this approach, it is encouraging to note that our creative community present here, has come up with innovative ideas to promote cinema for peace.”
He congratulated all artists whose exceptional work had been selected for screening at the Asia Peace Film Festival. He also encouraged those who submitted their films, to continue to raise their passionate voices through their exceptional art. “I am delighted to be a part of this initiative, and I wish you all the best in this exciting endeavor!”
Published in Daily Times, February 27th 2018.
