ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Friday said that the celebration of Pakistan–Tajikistan Cultural Week reflects the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and serves as an effective platform to promote cultural diplomacy, people-to-people contacts, and regional harmony.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan-Tajik Festival at Lok Virsa, the federal minister said Pakistan and Tajikistan share centuries-old historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that continue to grow stronger through cultural exchanges.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential in today’s world, where culture plays a central role in building bridges between nations and fostering mutual understanding.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the festival highlights the shared civilizational heritage, folk traditions, music, arts, and literary connections of Pakistan and Tajikistan.
He noted that both nations are linked through common cultural values, linguistic harmony, and historical interactions that transcend borders. “Culture is a soft power that brings nations closer, strengthens friendship, and contributes to peace and stability in the region,” he remarked.
The federal minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to promoting cultural cooperation with friendly countries, particularly Central Asian states.
He said the government is actively encouraging cultural festivals, exchanges, and joint initiatives to introduce younger generations to their shared heritage and to project Pakistan’s positive and peaceful image to the world.
Speaking on the occasion, State Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Huzaifa Rehman highlighted the close linguistic relationship between Urdu and Persian, describing them as sister languages deeply connected with Tajik culture.
He said cultural links between Pakistan and Tajikistan are rooted in shared history and civilization rather than mere geography.
The state minister noted that following the initiative taken by the Tajik Ambassador, several brotherly countries have approached Pakistan to organize their own cultural weeks.
He emphasized that in the contemporary global environment, nations strengthen their standing through soft image and cultural engagement instead of conventional conflict.
He said the ministry is making concerted efforts to organize similar cultural weeks with other countries for public engagement and cultural enrichment.
Earlier, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ms. Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality.
She said the Culture Days of Tajikistan in Pakistan symbolize the centuries-old spiritual, linguistic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
She highlighted the growing bilateral cooperation under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The Tajik minister paid rich tribute to Pakistan’s cultural heritage and literary traditions and underlined the shared legacy of eminent poets and thinkers from both countries.
She described Tajik and Urdu poetry as two streams flowing from the same source, nurturing empathy, respect, and love for humanity.
The opening ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar, Federal Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Gillani, diplomats, cultural representatives, and a large number of people from different walks of life.
The event featured folk music, traditional dances, cultural exhibitions, and artistic performances, marking a vibrant start to the two-day Pakistan–Tajikistan Cultural Festival at Lok Virsa.