University of Southern Punjab Hosts Young Scholars to Celebrate the Living Heritage of Multan

The University of Southern Punjab (USP), Multan, hosted an inspiring gathering of young scholars from USP, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (Pakistan), and the Women University Multan to celebrate their learning and experiences as part of the project “Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Ghanta Ghar Multan for Preservation of Cultural Heritage,” being implemented by THAAP in cooperation with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and with funding from the US Mission in Pakistan.

Held at the Noor Block Conference Room, the event brought together students, academics, heritage enthusiasts, and distinguished guests for an engaging exchange of stories about Southern Punjab's cultural treasures.

Mr. Tanveer Hassan, Program Management Specialist, Public Diplomacy Section, U.S. Consulate General Lahore, and Prof. Sajida Vandal, CEO, THAAP, interacted with the young scholars and heard their experiences learning traditional crafts and heritage skills from local Ustads. Their stories transformed the gathering into a vibrant celebration of Multan’s living cultural traditions.

The students spoke passionately about their journeys learning Ayana Kari, Kashi Kari, blue pottery, Naqashi, calligraphy, and camel-skin lamp making traditional art forms that embody centuries of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural memory. Their presentations were not merely accounts of skills acquired; they were deeply personal stories of rediscovering a heritage that connects generations.

The learning stories captivated and inspired the audience, demonstrating how meaningful engagement with traditional crafts can give young people a renewed appreciation for their cultural identity. Several students emphasized that such initiatives offer an opportunity to understand heritage not merely as old buildings and artifacts, but as a living tradition sustained by knowledge, craftsmanship, and the hands of skilled artisans.

Former Ambassador Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, who also attended the event, described the experience as “a revival of Multan,” capturing the gathering’s essence—an opportunity for a new generation to rediscover their city’s history, artistry, and cultural soul.

The young scholars greatly appreciated the initiative and called for the continuation and expansion of similar programs so that the invaluable heritage of Southern Punjab is documented, practiced, and transmitted to future generations rather than being lost to time.

Speaking on the occasion, University of Southern Punjab, Multan, Director General Mr. Saqib Nazir and Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar assured participants of the University’s full support for the project. They emphasized the University's commitment to providing young people with opportunities to engage with heritage, traditional knowledge, creativity, and community-based learning.

Mr. Zamir Hussain Abbasi, Field Manager of the Ghanta Ghar Reuse project, appreciated the University of Southern Punjab for hosting the event and acknowledged its efforts to bring young scholars together around the shared mission of preserving Multan’s cultural heritage.

The gathering ultimately conveyed a powerful message: when young people learn from traditional masters, heritage does not merely survive; it comes alive again.