ISLAMABAD: Jamal Shah, Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture has said that culture plays a crucial role in promoting tolerance in society by shaping values, attitudes and behaviors.
In a message on the occasion of International Day of Tolerance, the minister said that the purpose of celebrating this day is to highlight the importance of societal norms based on the principles of harmony, tolerance and brotherhood and we should also make a commitment to play our active role in this regard.
He said that here are several ways in which culture contributes to fostering tolerance including cultural diversity and understanding.
Jamal Shah said that government policies that support and protect cultural diversity contribute to tolerance by acknowledging and valuing different identities, adding that cultural norms that encourage respect for others, regardless of their cultural background, contribute to a more tolerant society.
Minister for National Heritage and Culture said that socialization within a culture shapes individuals’ attitude and behaviors influencing their ability to coexist with people from different backgrounds.
Jamal Shah said that cultural institutions, community centers and grassroots organizations play a vital role in promoting tolerance by fostering connections and understanding among people from different backgrounds.
He said that the sane segments of society should play their role in promoting tolerance in the country as well as in the world, adding that his Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division is committed to promoting peace and harmony through art and culture.
The International Day for Tolerance is celebrated each year on 16 November, to promote respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of world’s cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human.