Multan/Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, while addressing the 61st anniversary celebrations of Pakistan Television (PTV) at its Multan Centre, hailed the national broadcaster as a custodian of Pakistan’s diverse cultural, linguistic, musical, and literary heritage. He announced plans to upgrade the PTV Multan Centre to enhance its capacity to project the cultural identity of South Punjab at both national and international levels.
The ceremony was attended by PTV officials including Director Programmes Saif-ud-Din and General Manager PTV Multan Shafqat Abbas Malik, along with renowned singer Suraiya Multani, poet Shakir Hussain Shakir, Advocate Malik Haider Usman, journalists, writers, and a large gathering of citizens.
Recalling his long association with PTV, Gilani praised the broadcaster’s golden-era dramas, which he said were admired not only in Pakistan but also in neighboring countries like India. He noted that PTV had even served as a source of hope for prisoners, inspiring him during his tenure as Prime Minister to establish the PTV Multan Centre.
Gilani highlighted the centre’s role in promoting the Saraiki language, music, literature, and overall cultural heritage of South Punjab. He emphasized that providing a dedicated platform for regional artists, poets, and writers was crucial for preserving and showcasing the region’s unique identity.
The Chairman Senate described the 2011 inauguration of PTV Multan as part of a broader vision to create a national stage for regional music, literature, intellectual discourse, and cultural activities. He extended felicitations to the people of Multan and South Punjab and expressed hope that PTV would continue to uphold its legacy of excellence.
Referring to his recent visit to Azerbaijan, Gilani shared that the 700-year-old “Multan Caravanserai” remains preserved as a symbol of historical heritage. He suggested that historically significant cities globally be designated as “sister cities” to strengthen cultural diplomacy, highlighting Multan’s rich 5,000-year-old history.
Concluding his address, Gilani stressed the vital role of institutions like PTV in shaping the national narrative, strengthening cultural identity, and enhancing Pakistan’s soft power. He called for sustained efforts to ensure their continued development and progress.
