Memon laments ‘culture of abuse’ rife on social media

Provincial minister visits art exhibit at Frere Hall

KARACHI:

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon lauded painters and artists gathered at the Frere Hall, including the team that created a 240- feet painting, as part of a three-day art workshop in Karachi. Inam lauded the organisers for inviting artists from across Pakistan, and promoting ideas and ideals that were reflective of the people of the area.

"Pakistan is the cradle of a great civilization. Our culture promotes peace, love and brotherhood. There is no room for extremism and terrorism in our culture, but unfortunately some ignorant people try to disfigure Pakistan and distort its global image," he said. "If anybody wants to see the real face of Pakistan, they should come here at Frere Hall, where young and old artists are showcasing different dimensions of their art." At the exhibition, artists have set a new world record by creating the largest-ever painting, which is a great honour for Pakistan, Memon said.

He also lamented what he said was a lack of respect for dissenting opinions, particularly on social media. "We are a peaceful people. Social etiquettes, especially respect for women, are an important part of our culture. But unfortunately, today a different culture is being promoted in Pakistan which teaches to abuse and badmouth anyone dissenting with your opinion," the minister observed.

He added that this toxic culture was promoted by "people of limited intelligence", especially on social media. Without naming them, Inam also took a potshot at rival political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. "We don't want Naya Pakistan. We want the real Pakistan, a Pakistan which we see in today's exhibition," he added, while urging the media to project the real culture of Pakistan and promote the message of love, brotherhood and peace.

Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah also spoke at the occasion and commended the organisers for the successfully hosting the exhibition. The provincial ministers presented a cheque of Rs1.5 million to Sajid Ali of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and his team for creating the world's largest painting. Other artists including Abdullah Siddiqui, Talib Naqvi, Fateh Halipoto and Sahar Shah Rizvi received awards for their works.