Series of seminar on 'Folk Legends of Pakistan' launched

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Gender Studies (CEGS) at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, launched a series of seminar titled "Folk Legends of Pakistan" with a focus on Bibi Nani, a revered folk legend from Balochistan.

The event, held at the School of Sociology auditorium, featured a distinguished cultural expert and researcher, Pannah Baloch, as the keynote speaker. Baloch delivered an insightful presentation on Bibi Nani's historical, cultural, and symbolic significance within Baloch tradition, emphasising her role as a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and feminine power in Balochistan's oral narratives.

CEGS Director, Dr Aisha Anees Malik, moderated the session and skillfully guided the dialogue toward exploring intersections between folk heritage, gender dynamics, and contemporary identity-building in Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of preserving folklore like Bibi Nani's to challenge stereotypes and promote social cohesion.

Lok Virsa Director of Research, Dr Muhammad Waqas Saleem reiterated Lok Virsa's commitment to safeguarding Pakistan's intangible cultural heritage.