Lok Virsa’s mandate has been to PRESERVE, DOCUMENT and PROMOTE Cultural Heritage (both tangible and intangible). The earlier focus had been more on the first two aspects. Currently, the focus will be on the promotion of Folk Heritage of Pakistan in a way that is relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds and to provide more meaning, depth and rootedness in life.
The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) was established in 1974 with the mandate for research, collection, documentation, communication, preservation and promotion of tangible and in-tangible heritage of the country.
Lok Virsa obtained the status of an autonomous organization through Ordinance promulgated by the Government of Pakistan on September 17, 2002.
Lok Virsa is governed by a Board of Governors headed by the Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage.
Executive Director is the overall in charge of all technical and administrative work of the institute.
