Islamabad: The Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Division, chaired by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA, convened its third session at Parliament House to address key cultural preservation initiatives. The committee focused on the digitization of Allama Iqbal’s works, financial support for artists, and the safeguarding of Sikh religious sites.

The Iqbal Academy of Pakistan announced the successful digitization of Allama Iqbal’s complete literary contributions and scholarly resources, accessible globally through the Iqbal Cyber Library. The platform reportedly attracts millions of monthly users and serves as a reference point for AI platforms like ChatGPT. The committee recommended documenting oral histories from Iqbal’s family and increasing the academy’s visibility through Pakistan Television (PTV) broadcasts.

The committee also reviewed the distribution of financial aid to artists, with the National Heritage and Culture Division Secretary confirming the allocation of 70 million rupees to 1,086 artists in a recent meeting. Updates were also provided on appointments to the Iqbal Academy board, with six of seven members now selected.

Discussions focused on the preservation of Sikh cultural heritage sites, led by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman. The board outlined plans for gurdwara restorations and improved pilgrim facilities. Specific recommendations included renovating a gurdwara in Village Fateh Bhinder, enhancing security at two Peshawar gurdwaras, and restoring the Ram Das Gurdwara. A future briefing encompassing all religious sites under ETPB and provincial jurisdiction was requested.

The formation of a coordination committee involving federal and provincial governments was also proposed. The committee tasked the National Heritage and Culture Division Secretary with outlining the committee’s scope, membership (including standing committee members, ministry secretaries, and provincial minorities affairs ministers), and terms of reference for the next meeting. Several MNAs attended the meeting, both in person and virtually, along with representatives from relevant government bodies.