By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Jordan on Wednesday agreed to further strengthen their long-standing relations by expanding cooperation in culture, heritage, and people-to-people exchanges, as the federal government steps up efforts to use cultural diplomacy as a bridge between nations.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Jordan, Major General (R) Khurram Sarfraz Khan, at the National Heritage and Culture Division. Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani was also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, both sides held a detailed exchange of views on enhancing Pakistan–Jordan relations through cultural collaboration and diplomatic engagement.
The federal minister said that following the “Marka-e-Haq,” Pakistan has gained renewed respect and recognition at the global level, adding that the international community is now viewing Pakistan with greater appreciation and that many countries are keen to further strengthen their relations with Pakistan.
Highlighting practical aspects of bilateral ties, Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani noted that the number of Pakistanis traveling to Jordan remains relatively low and stressed the need to facilitate visa procedures for Pakistani citizens.
Ambassador-designate Khurram Sarfraz Khan said there are several factors behind the limited Pakistani presence in Jordan; however, he pointed out that Jordan hosts the shrines of a number of Prophets and Companions (RA), which hold deep religious significance and attract strong interest among Pakistani visitors.
