Pakistan and Lahore Chamber to promote creative economy and cultural heritage

The Ministry for National Heritage and Culture and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry will collaborate to develop Pakistan’s creative economy. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, addressed the business community at the Lahore Chamber on 19 October.

The joint initiative seeks to preserve cultural heritage and introduce traditional arts and handicrafts to international markets. Ali Hussam Asghar, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated the creative economy sector had the potential to generate billions of dollars in economic benefits.

The chamber will host a programme to promote the creative economy and has requested the Federal Minister to appoint a focal person for the organisation. Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, Vice President, stated traditional Pakistani crafts and cultural products had considerable potential to access international markets and increase exports.

Asad Rehman Gilani, Khadim Hussain and Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, noted that Bahawalpur embroidery, traditional garments, ajrak, jewellery, carpets and truck art could be presented with modern designs. Sardar Usman Ghani, Senior Vice President, stated Lahore has potential for promoting cultural tourism because of its rich history, cultural identity and historical heritage.

Lahore was designated by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–2027, with plans to organise 3 to 4 major cultural events in the city. The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture saw its number of Memorandums of Understanding increase from 23 to 40 in one year.

Six Pakistani sites are currently on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, compared to 30 sites in India and 60 sites in China. Progress was made during the current year on nominations for 2 historical sites for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Executive Committee members proposed businesses sponsor cleaning, renovation, maintenance and promotion of heritage sites under corporate social responsibility initiatives.