A Senate Standing Committee has called for major reforms in Pakistan’s cultural institutions after reviewing their performance, structure, and funding during a high-level meeting held at Parliament House.
Chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, the committee examined key organisations including the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the National Library of Pakistan, and the National Language Promotion Department. Officials presented detailed briefings on their roles, activities, and efforts to promote regional culture, literature, and the national language.
During the session, committee members expressed concerns about the governance structure of PNCA, noting that only a limited number of board members come from relevant cultural and artistic backgrounds. They recommended increasing the representation of qualified professionals to improve decision-making and institutional effectiveness.
The committee also reviewed PNCA’s financial performance and highlighted the need for higher funding allocations. Despite generating improved revenue in recent years, the organisation’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funding was considered insufficient. Lawmakers urged the government to significantly increase financial support to strengthen cultural development initiatives across the country.
Regional outreach was another key issue discussed in the meeting. Members pointed out the absence of a PNCA office in Peshawar and stressed the importance of expanding access to cultural resources in all provinces. Enhancing public awareness about PNCA’s programmes and facilities was also identified as a priority.
The committee was informed about ongoing activities, including performing arts, visual arts exhibitions, and puppet theatre programmes. However, it was noted that recent events had faced delays due to security concerns.
In addition to institutional reforms, the committee proposed initiatives to promote arts education, including the inclusion of cultural subjects in the national curriculum. It also recommended organising workshops with renowned artists and creating opportunities for young and emerging talent.
Officials further shared that international collaborations with countries such as Korea and South Africa are under development, while digitisation efforts are also in progress to modernise cultural preservation.
The committee emphasised that strengthening cultural institutions is essential for preserving Pakistan’s heritage, promoting creativity, and supporting the country’s cultural identity on both national and international levels.
