By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Tuesday said that Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep-rooted historical, cultural and civilizational ties, and strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries would further solidify people-to-people links and mutual understanding.
He was speaking at a welcoming ceremony held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) for the cultural delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan, led by Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, on the first day of its official visit to Pakistan.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi accorded a warm and dignified welcome to the visiting delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to enhancing cultural diplomacy as a key pillar of bilateral relations. He noted that cultural exchanges, joint artistic initiatives and heritage preservation efforts provide a powerful platform for strengthening friendship between the two nations.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Culture and Heritage Huzaifa Rehman, Federal Secretary NHCD Asad Rehman Gilani, along with senior government officials, diplomats, artists and representatives of leading cultural institutions were present on the occasion.
In his welcome remarks, the Federal Secretary highlighted the historic and cultural bonds shared by Pakistan and Tajikistan, emphasizing the importance Pakistan places on its longstanding and friendly relations with Tajikistan. He said cultural engagement remains central to promoting mutual understanding and sustained people-to-people connectivity. The speakers underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in complementing broader bilateral relations, noting that cooperation in arts, music, literature and heritage preservation can significantly enhance mutual collaboration.
Reference was made to the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2021, which provides an institutional framework for structured and sustained cultural collaboration between the two countries.
The visit of the Tajik cultural delegation was described as a timely opportunity to reinvigorate bilateral cultural exchanges. Cultural performances and activities scheduled in Islamabad and Lahore are expected to further promote mutual appreciation and strengthen bonds of friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and Tajikistan.
During the visit, the delegation toured the calligraphy and arts exhibition at PNCA, where they appreciated Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage and the shared cultural expressions reflected in the artworks on display.
A symbolic highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of traditional Tajik cultural attire by Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod to Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and SAPM Huzaifa Rehman, reflecting mutual respect and the enduring cultural bonds between the two countries.
The first day of the visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to deepen cultural cooperation, strengthen institutional linkages and expand people-to-people exchanges, paving the way for a more dynamic and enduring cultural partnership between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
