What happened: Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing to National Amateur Short Film Festival (NASFF) Awards Ceremony in Islamabad on Saturday, stated that if we wish to promote a soft image of Pakistan, it must advocate Pakistaniat and not the western culture.
Background: PM Imran Khan during his speech stated “During the war on terror Pakistanis were termed as extremists. To counter this, they were asked to promote a soft image of Pakistan.” It was further stated that the countrymen perceived that wearing western clothes and speaking English would promote a soft image. However, following western culture by wearing their clothes and practicing English would not project a soft image, instead, it only showcases inferiority complex and quoted “A soft image is projected through self-reliance, so first respect yourself and the world will respect you in turn.” PM Imran Khan added that he values the organic content that Pakistan makes not the imitation while criticizing the films made in Pakistan copying ‘Bollywood’. Pakistan began adopting foreign cultures instead of promoting our culture. He also emphasized that the budding filmmakers must bring the original ideas and shouldn’t be afraid of failures and added “The person who is afraid of failure will never become a good player.” He further said that the world values original ideas more and supported the point by telling how Pakistan’s television use to produce quality content which was valued in neighboring country India as well. He also quoted how singers in the US loved the music composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and not Pakistani pop music as it only imitated western culture. He also announced special allowances for the young filmmakers who tried to promote Pakistan’s organic culture. Click here to see more from ProperGaanda.