Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Inaugurates ‘Let Freedom Ring’ Exhibition with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andy Halus
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andy Halus on Thursday jointly inaugurated the “Let Freedom Ring” American Liberty Bell Exhibition at the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, underscoring the enduring cultural partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Syed Usman Tahir, Advisor to the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, along with senior government officials, diplomats, artists, cultural personalities, and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the event, Minister Khichi congratulated the American people on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy and strengthening people-to-people ties with the United States.
He said Pakistan and the United States share the common values of democracy, liberty, and cultural diversity, adding that cultural cooperation remains an important pillar of bilateral relations. The minister commended the creativity of 16 Pakistani artists whose artistic interpretations of the iconic Liberty Bell reflected the universal language of art, transcending borders, languages, and history.
Khichi also highlighted the continued collaboration between Pakistan’s Ministry of National Heritage and Culture and the U.S. Mission in Pakistan in the field of heritage preservation. He particularly acknowledged the successful repatriation of more than 450 Pakistani cultural artifacts earlier this year as a significant milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andy Halus described cultural heritage as a powerful bridge connecting nations and communities. He said Lok Virsa provided the ideal setting for the exhibition, which celebrates the shared values of freedom, creativity, and mutual understanding.
Recalling his personal connection to Philadelphia, the home of the original Liberty Bell, Halus said the exhibition symbolizes the universal aspirations for liberty while highlighting the importance of artistic collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue.
The exhibition showcases 16 life-size replicas of the Liberty Bell, each uniquely painted by Pakistani artists to present their personal interpretation of freedom. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and the United States to promoting cultural exchange, fostering artistic collaboration, and further strengthening bilateral relations.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed emphasis on the role of cultural diplomacy in reinforcing the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the United States and expanding opportunities for future cooperation in the fields of heritage, arts, and cultural preservation.
