Folk & Heritage Festival 2026 Celebrates Pakistan’s Cultural Diversity at SALU Khairpur

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From Folk Traditions to Global Understanding: SALU Vice Chancellor Calls for Cultural Research Connecting Nations
Press Release
KHAIRPUR, April 28, 2026
The Department of Pakistan Studies at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, hosted the much-anticipated Folk & Heritage Festival 2026 under the theme “A Tapestry of Culture, Taste, and Tradition.” The event was held at the New Academic Block and was inaugurated by Meritorious Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, Vice Chancellor of SALU Khairpur.
Organized by final-year BS students of the department, the festival showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Pakistan with special focus on Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Pashto, Seraiki, and Kashmiri traditions. The event highlighted Pakistan’s timeless heritage through exhibitions of traditional food, crafts, clothing, and cultural displays.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, appreciated the Department of Pakistan Studies and the students for organizing a vibrant festival celebrating Pakistan’s cultural and linguistic diversity. He stated that such activities help connect young people with the country’s heritage, traditions, and collective identity.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University, Meritorious Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, said that Pakistan is a land of extraordinary cultural beauty, enriched with diverse languages, folk traditions, music, indigenous games, architectural heritage, crafts, and historic civilizations stretching from Mohenjo-Daro to the mountainous cultures of the north. He remarked that the cultural heritage of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Seraiki regions, and Kashmir reflects centuries of wisdom, creativity, and coexistence.
He emphasized that folk music, traditional instruments, local games, historical monuments, and regional arts should not only be preserved but also academically explored and connected with the cultures of other nations to identify historical, artistic, and civilizational similarities. He stated that such comparative cultural research can build stronger intellectual and cultural linkages among nations and promote global understanding.
The Vice Chancellor further encouraged the youth to engage deeply with their cultural roots and develop new scholarly, creative, and research-based connections between Pakistan’s heritage and world civilizations. He said that the younger generation must transform cultural wisdom into constructive dialogue, innovation, and international collaboration in the greater interest of humanity and nations.
He remarked that languages including Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, Balochi, Pashto, and Kashmiri reflect the historical and cultural richness of Pakistan and promote inter-provincial harmony and mutual respect. He encouraged students to preserve and promote regional cultures, languages, and traditions through academic and creative activities, and congratulated the organizers and participants for their enthusiastic efforts.
Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Liaquat Ali Chandio, described the festival as a commendable effort reflecting the cultural richness of Pakistan and appreciated the students’ dedication in presenting various regional traditions.
The event formally began with a welcome address by Dr. Inayatullah Bhatti, who greeted the attending faculty members, students, and guests.
During the program, Dr. Siraj Ahmed Soomro shared that Folk & Heritage Studies has now been included as a final-year subject in the curriculum. He explained that students were divided into groups to prepare projects representing different cultural regions of Pakistan.
The event was attended by distinguished faculty members including Professor Dr. Mujeeb ur Rehman Abro, Dr. Shahida Chandio, and Dr. Sahib Oad, among others.
Each provincial pavilion offered a distinct cultural experience. The Balochi pavilion featured traditional dishes such as Sajji, Dampukht, and Kaak along with embroidery, handmade textiles, and traditional jewelry. The Punjabi segment celebrated the vibrant colors of Punjabi heritage, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pavilion showcased Pashtun traditions. Separate presentations highlighted Sindhi, Seraiki, and Kashmiri cultures.
In addition to cultural displays, B.Ed third-year students from the Education Department arranged food stalls offering traditional snacks and refreshments for participants and visitors.
The festival was coordinated by BS-IV students of the Department of Pakistan Studies, who worked for several weeks to prepare cultural pavilions, performances, and heritage displays. Students, faculty, and staff attended the event in traditional attire, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Media Section
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur