To preserve, protect, and promote the rich cultural heritage, history, and traditions of Sindh, fostering a sense of pride and identity among its people. The department is committed to advancing sustainable tourism, conserving ancient sites and artifacts, and enhancing public access to knowledge through archives and cultural programs. By harnessing innovative practices and collaborative efforts, we aim to celebrate Sindh’s legacy and support its growth as a beacon of cultural diversity and historical significance on both national and international platforms.
To establish Sindh as a globally recognized center of cultural heritage, historical preservation, and sustainable tourism. Our vision is to inspire future generations by safeguarding and revitalizing Sindh’s ancient sites, diverse traditions, and artistic expressions, while promoting tourism that respects and enhances local communities and natural resources. Through innovative projects, research, and inclusive community engagement, we aspire to create a resilient, vibrant cultural landscape that strengthens Sindh’s identity and contributes to its socioeconomic development.
The people of Sindh hold their culture, heritage, history, and language in high regard. Reflecting this commitment, a “Culture Cell” was established within the Education Department in 1976, later evolving into an independent department in 1988. Initially named the “Culture, Tourism, Sports, Youth Affairs, and Social Welfare Department,” it was later restructured, becoming the “Culture and Tourism Department” and eventually bifurcating in 2009 into separate “Culture” and “Tourism” departments.
Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment in 2011, which eliminated the Concurrent List, the Federal Government transferred 126 archaeological sites and monuments, including museums, to the Sindh Culture Department. This expansion of responsibilities led to renaming the department, reflecting its broader scope in cultural preservation and promotion.
Mandate and Functions:
The Culture Department is dedicated to promoting Sindh’s cultural heritage domestically and internationally. It supports literary activities through public libraries, book publications, and by sponsoring scholars and intellectuals. Additionally, the department ensures the preservation and conservation of historical buildings, archaeological sites, and heritage monuments. The department oversees heritage protection, manages welfare programs for writers, poets, and artists, and is well-resourced to meet its objectives.
Facilities and Cultural Promotion:
The department promotes Sindh’s heritage through cultural centers, open-air theaters, auditoriums, folk studios, and arts councils. It also collaborates with the private sector when needed. Supporting literary activities, the department manages 12 public libraries across Sindh, which serve as cultural hubs for academic and cultural events. Plans are underway to expand this network to more districts.
Preservation and Conservation:
Preserving Sindh’s recently transferred archaeological sites and monuments presents challenges, but the department is prepared, with development schemes included in the Provincial PSDP (2011-12) and funding from the provincial government and other sources. Heritage protection follows the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, with a dedicated Heritage Cell handling heritage listings.
Intellectual and Artist Welfare:
To support Sindh’s intellectuals, the department established an Endowment Fund for writers, poets, and artists, offering one-time financial assistance. Additionally, a Grant-in-Aid program provides monthly stipends, supplemented by support from the Legend’s Trust and Chief Minister Sindh.
Department of Culture is guided by Honourable Minister, Secretary Culture and DG Culture, who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication. Together, they shape our strategic direction, ensuring we achieve our mission while fostering innovation and excellence.
Provincial Minister
Parliamentary Secretary
Provincial Secretary
1. Promoting Cultural Heritage:
Manage and utilize cultural complexes, open-air theatres, auditoriums, a studio, and arts councils to organize cultural activities and events promoting Sindh’s heritage. Collaborate with private sector entities as needed to enhance cultural engagement.
2. Supporting Literary Activities:
Establish and operate public libraries across Sindh, hosting literary and cultural events. Facilitate publication initiatives and provide platforms for scholars, poets, and intellectuals to present their work, while expanding library access in major towns and district headquarters.
3. Preserving and Conserving Archaeological Sites:
Oversee the preservation and conservation of Sindh’s archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, implementing development schemes and seeking funding from local and international sources to protect these cultural assets.
4. Protecting Heritage Buildings:
Enforce the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, to regulate heritage building protection. Administer a Heritage Cell to handle heritage listings and ensure the conservation of significant architectural sites.
5. Providing Welfare for Intellectuals:
Support Sindh’s intellectual community by establishing an Endowment Fund and Grant-in-Aid program for writers, poets, and artists, offering financial aid and collaborating with the Chief Minister’s office and other resources.
Directorate General Culture – Sindh, Liaquat Memorial Library Near PTV Centre, Stadium Road Karachi.
Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
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