Faisalabad honours Baloch heritage with Culture Day

Initiatives encourage cross-cultural exchange among students, communities

FAISALABAD:

The Municipal Corporation Faisalabad has announced the celebration of Balochistan Culture Day for the first time in its history to express solidarity with the people of Balochistan and promote inter-provincial harmony.

As part of the initiative, large flexes and banners highlighting various aspects of Baloch culture have been displayed at major roads, intersections and public squares across the city.

The banners carry cultural slogans and quotes paying tribute to Baloch traditions, poetry, dress and identity, adding a vibrant touch to the city's landscape.

Citizens were seen stopping to observe the displays.

Muhammad Umar, a resident, termed the initiative a positive step, saying it reflected the respect and affection Punjabis hold for their Baloch brethren. He said such efforts would help counter negative perceptions and misunderstandings. He also suggested organising cultural and sports competitions in educational institutions to further strengthen inter-provincial ties.

Earlier, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) also marked Baloch Culture Day and hosted an Iftar dinner for Baloch students.

Bilal Dogar, newly elected president of the Faisalabad Press Club and senior anchor at City 41 channel, said such initiatives were vital to dispel misconceptions about inter-provincial relations.

He said a false narrative had been promoted suggesting that Punjabis discriminate against people from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.

"Such misunderstandings can only be removed through cultural exchange and interaction," he added, stressing that celebrating cultural days fosters unity, respect and social integration.

Commissioner and Administrator Metropolitan Corporation Raja Jehangir Anwar told media that the initiative was primarily led by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and other institutions, including Government College University Faisalabad. He noted that around 200 Baloch students are currently enrolled at UAF.

He said the purpose of participating in the event was to enhance people-to-people contact and encourage greater interaction among students from different provinces.

"Students often remain within their own ethnic groups, limiting cross-cultural engagement. We aim to integrate them into the mainstream so that mutual understanding can grow," he said.

The commissioner added that similar outreach efforts would be extended to students from other provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, as well as international students.

He revealed that about 70 foreign students from countries such as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are studying at UAF.

He said more cultural programmes would be organised in the coming months, including participation in the Arts Council's Spring Festival after Eid, where students would be given opportunities to showcase their traditions through exhibitions, paintings and other cultural activities.