Muhammad Saleem

Local economies can grow by hosting cultural events and literary festivals.

Nadeem Ahmed, a cloth trader, talking to WealthPk, said that whenever a cultural event was organised in Faisalabad, sales of cloth surged. He said that Faisalabad is known as the textile capital of Pakistan, and people who visit cultural events prefer to visit the Clock Tower bazaar markets to buy quality fabric. No doubt, he said, Faisalabad offers countless fabric varieties at affordable rates. “The events help us boost our businesses, which ultimately create jobs and strengthen the economy.”

He suggested the people at the helm ensure funding for cultural events to boost the economy and reduce the tension prevailing among the public due to multiple issues. He said that infrastructure support, like transportation, elaborate security arrangements, and well-organized public spaces, can invite the attention of visitors. The government can also broaden the tax net through such events, and public-private partnerships can be effective in developing and managing these events, he added.

Shehryar Ahmed of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad said that his academia used to organize cultural activities to keep the locals and national community engaged with their cultural values. He said universities are efficient in preserving and spreading cultural values among students and society. He said that cultural events can diversify the local economy, significantly helping the region reduce reliance on traditional industries.

With the help of such events, the government and local community can easily create sustainable tourism, and introduce new products that meet visitor requirements, he said. It is observed that the government is arranging cultural events regularly, efficiently helping the economy thrive. “Steady sources of income stimulate business activities and create jobs, and currently, we need initiatives that can strengthen our economy,” he added.

He said that these events can also enhance the overall quality of life, making local areas more attractive to residents and businesses. “Cultural events and literary festivals, if planned and executed effectively, can be powerful drivers of local economic growth,” Shehryar Ahmed said. Salma Ahmed, a teacher of the Government College University Faisalabad, said that cultural events and literary festivals are more than just entertainment.

“These events provide us with an opportunity to easily exhibit our norms and values to students and society. Besides, they serve as effective platforms to bring to light the local talent, traditions, and heritage,” she added. She explained that visitors from other regions, and even from abroad, not only invest in the local economy but also build bridges through cultural exchange.

She noted that such events lead to an influx of people, boosting local businesses, like hotels, restaurants, and shops. Similarly, she said that these events also provide space to local artisans and performers to display their skills for commercial purposes. “We can confidently say that cultural vibrancy is a proven magnet for economic activity,” she claimed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk