Rawalpindi, The Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi, hosted a painting exhibition titled “Sohna Punjab” to commemorate Punjab Culture Day 2024, drawing significant attention to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The event featured prominent guests and aimed to underscore the importance of cultural pride and preservation throughout the year.
According to Punjab Arts Council, the exhibition was graced by Member Provincial Assembly of Punjab and Coordinator Chief Minister Punjab, Shazia Rizwan, who emphasized the global recognition of Punjab’s culture for its beauty and diversity. The event served as a platform to celebrate the traditions, festivals, attire, cuisine, and historical sites that define Punjab, reinforcing the significance of cultural identity and heritage.
During the opening ceremony, the council highlighted the role of culture in shaping societal values and future prosperity. Dignitaries including Director Muhammad Shakoor and Assistant Director Muhammad Sulaiman delivered messages on the vitality of maintaining and promoting cultural values for societal peace and advancement. The exhibition showcased works by artists Khurram Babri and Muhammad Yunus Rumi, attracting attendees from Rawalpindi and adjacent areas, thereby fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
The event underscored the shared cultural legacy of the Punjab region, advocating for continuous engagement with cultural practices to enrich societal fabric and national identity. The Punjab Culture Day celebration at the Arts Council not only honored the province’s historical civilizations but also aimed to inspire dedication towards the nurturing and safeguarding of cultural assets for future generations.
Islamabad, In a significant political development, the former Chairman Senate, Mian Raza Rabbani, has openly criticized the appointment of the new Chairman of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), questioning the legality and procedural integrity of the process. This controversy comes in the wake of an ordinance drafted by the Caretaker Government, which has been rejected by President Alvi, sparking debate over its constitutional validity and the broader implications for the country’s federal structure.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Rabbani raised several concerns regarding the appointment process, including the legality of the ordinance under which the new IRSA chairman was appointed. He highlighted that the ordinance, described as a “black law” by the senator, was returned by President Alvi, casting doubt on its promulgation. Furthermore, Rabbani criticized the caretaker government for overstepping its mandate by making a major policy decision that affects the rights of the provinces, particularly noting the failure to place the ordinance before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and denying the provinces the right to have a chairman on a rotating basis, as well as their right to appeal before the CCI.
This development raises questions about the federal structure’s integrity and the balance of power between the national and provincial governments. Rabbani’s call for the immediate withdrawal of the ordinance reflects the tensions within Pakistan’s political landscape, especially concerning the autonomy and rights of the provinces. The controversy underscores the need for a clear and transparent process in appointments to significant positions within the government, ensuring they are conducted within the legal framework and respect the country’s federal structure.
The situation remains fluid, with implications for the governance and political stability of Pakistan. Stakeholders across the political spectrum are closely watching the unfolding events, as they could have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between the federal government and the provinces.