QUETTA, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 16th Sep, 2026) A seminar titled “Naqoosh-e-Watan: National Cultural Narrative” was organized at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University in collaboration with the Balochistan Center of Excellence and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).
The seminar was attended by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Balochistan’s Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Durrani, CEO PPAF Nadir Gul Barech, Federal Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, Chief Coordination Officer Balochistan Center of Excellence Dr Dost Muhammad, Deputy Coordination Officer Dr Ismat Khan, Vice Chancellor SBK Women’s University Prof Dr Rubina Mushtaq, Executive Director Lok Virsa Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem, and Rehabilitation Center In-charge Fahmida Kakar.
The purpose of the seminar was to highlight the importance of the national cultural narrative, promote cultural values, and encourage youth and students to play a constructive and effective role in society.
Addressing the seminar, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that Balochistan is not a margin of Pakistan’s cultural identity but a fundamental chapter of it, adding that Pakistan’s history and national identity cannot be complete without Balochistan. He stressed the vision of a Pakistan where no citizen feels their language, culture, or regional identity is ignored.
Education Minister Raheela Hameed Durrani emphasized that culture should never be used as a tool of division but rather as a powerful means of unity. She highlighted that respecting all cultures and promoting harmony is essential, and pointed out that Balochistan can generate significant income through its traditional crafts, handicrafts, and tourism sector.
PPAF CEO Nadir Gul Barech noted that the organization is working across 41 districts of Balochistan to promote sustainable development, social cohesion, and peace. He underlined that providing loans and training to skilled individuals, particularly women, is enabling them to achieve economic independence and support their families. He reaffirmed the commitment to empower women in education, economic self-reliance, and peacebuilding as a pathway to societal progress.
Speakers collectively stressed that the national cultural narrative (Naqoosh-e-Watan) must serve as a unifying force, preserving traditions, fostering peace, and ensuring sustainable development. They reiterated the importance of Balochistan’s rich cultural heritage and the empowerment of women as key drivers of regional growth and harmony.
