Punjab govt is art friendly, CM tells Babbar

Staff Report

LAHORE: The Punjab government is taking positive measures to promote art and to conserve the cultural heritage of Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister told Indian actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar on Sunday.

Mr Babbar’s ancestors originally hail from Gujrat (Jalalpur Jattan) and he was pleased to know that the Punjab chief minister also hailed from the same city.

Mr Babar said that India and Pakistan should come closer to each other in the cultural and economic sectors as it would help establish peace and normalcy in the region. He called for cooperation in films between the two countries.

Mr Elahi praised the people to people contact between Pakistan and India, saying that contact at cultural level would improve bilateral relations.

Mr Elahi said that his government was taking solid measures to promote culture in the province. He cited the setting up of an IMAX theatre over 100 kanals. He also mentioned the setting up of a production-processing laboratory to improve the technical quality of Lollywood films and the waiving of entertainment tax on cinemas. Mr Elahi said that cultural relations between the artists of the two countries would improve their creative works.

He said that the visit of East Punjab Chief Minister Capt (r) Amrinder Singh had strengthened the relation between the two countries. He said that the Punjabi language was an effective means for the promotion of Punjabi culture and the propagation of the teachings of saints. He said a separate institute had been set up in the province to promote the Punjabi language and culture.

Home | National