Daily Times

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extending greetings on the Saraiki Culture and Saraiki Ajrak Day being observed on Wednesday, reiterated that the incumbent government would play its role in promoting the local languages, literature, and cultures of all the regions in the country.

The prime minister, in his message, said that all the colors of the Saraiki region were beautiful while being rich in different cultures and traditions.

Calling the Saraiki dialect “very sweet” he said it was not only spoken in South Punjab rather in Balochistan and India as well.

He said the Saraiki language and the Saraiki writers had immense contributions to literature, poetry, and music.

The prime minister said that Saraiki culture was rooted in the thousands of years old Indus Valley Civilisation.

He said that the saints like Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria, Hazrat Shah Ruknuddin Alam, Khawaja Ghulam Fareed. Salman Taunsavi, Sakhi Sarwar Shah and Shams Tabraiz also enriched the Saraiki language through their words.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the promotion of South Punjab’s culture, literature, and art had always been among the government’s priorities. Separately, Saraiki Culture Day celebrated on Wednesday, highlighting the Saraiki culture, representing a distinct identity and the sweet melody of the Saraiki language.

A number of people including men, women and children attired with traditional Ajrak were witnessed at different public places while rallies and other programs were also organized to mark the Saraiki culture day in a befitting manner.

People from different walks of life including political leaders, civil society members and students participated in the cultural activities in connection with Saraiki culture day.

The speakers highlighted that Pakistan is a beautiful bouquet of different cultures, adding that Saraiki Ajrak is another name for love, tolerance and peace.

The blue colour of Saraiki Ajrak is a metaphor for everlasting love and loyalty,” th speakers said.

The organizers also held Saraiki Jhoomer (dance), played songs, wearing blue Saraiki Ajrak to celebrate the cultural day.