Institutions take time to develop and require careful nurturing. However, Pakistan’s public sector is woefully negligent when it comes to bodies tasked with the mandate to promote culture. An example of this phenomenon is the LokVisra – a public body that advances the message of ‘unity in diversity’; and plays a major role in celebrating the indigenous cultures of Pakistan. For years, LokVirsahas been striving toshowcase Pakistan’s multiple histories and living traditions of its people, including those in the remotest areas imaginable. It is a vital platform to remind Pakistanis of their rich and multi-faceted cultural heritage – their rightful inheritance. The government would do well to exploit this vast treasure trove, worth more than its weight in gold. Especially, considering that the LokVirsa houses an important museum of ethnology. Meaning that it doesn’t come with any associations of colonial overhang, as is the case with museums focusing on archaeological documentation. Could there be a better way to reclaim the narrative from both extremist groups, not to mention well-meaning yet condescending westerners? Had the state better understood this, the world would have been saved from the likes of (the possibly fictitious) Greg Mortenson and his White Saviour Complex that may or may not have taken root and blossomed as he chugged down Three Cups of Tea somewhere near the Karakorum highway. LokVirsa’s current head DrFouziaSaeed and her colleagueshave done a fine job of rebuilding the institution. In particular, DrSaeed’s efforts to digitize LokVirsa archives and its library are commendable. Unconfirmed reports suggest that there are plans to transfer the ‘ownership’ of LokVirsa to a non-governmental organization. The state must act against this possibility. The LokVirsa must remain autonomous in nature, as it has been since 2002. There are frivolous cases against this body. Not unlike other such institutions in the public sector, LokVirsa suffers from red-tapism of Islamabad bureaucrats and paucity of funds. The Prime Minister recently celebrated Holi and has been making welcome statements. The best way to show his commitment to Pakistan’s diversity and the need to build a tolerant culture is to support LokVirsa,enhance its operations and provide it with financial and legal security.The government simply cannot afford to squander or outsource Pakistan’s biggest soft power advantage. *