ISLAMABAD, Feb 18 (APP):A scholarly and intellectual roundtable discussion underlined the need for strengthening literary, cultural, and academic collaboration between Pakistan and Hungary especially through the thoughts of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The roundtable discussion titled “Iqbal: A Bridge between the East and the West” was organized by the MUSLIM Institute on Wednesday.
Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan, Dr. Zoltán Varga, participated as special guest in the session.
In his address, he expressed his commitment to expanding educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries and noted that literary dialogue can play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Distinguished speakers at the roundtable included Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Zafar, Dean of the Faculty of Information Science and Technology at COMSATS University Islamabad; Dr. Abdul Basit, Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Media Studies at Bahria University Islamabad; Dr. Sajid Mehmood, Assistant Professor at Government Postgraduate College, Mansehra; and Mr. Muhammad Azeem, PhD Scholar at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. The session was moderated by Ms. Zunera Mumtaz.
Speakers observed that Allama Muhammad Iqbal continues to serve as an intellectual bridge between the East and the West. They emphasized that his philosophical thought provides guidance for promoting global dialogue, tolerance, and shared human values.
Participants further remarked that, in the contemporary global context, Iqbal’s philosophy offers one of the most effective foundations for fostering harmony among civilizations.
During the event, researchers presented a comparative analysis of the revolutionary poetry and concept of freedom in the works of Allama Iqbal and Hungary’s national poet, Sándor Petofi.
According to the speakers, themes such as freedom, selfhood, human dignity, and national awakening are prominently reflected in the works of both thinkers, representing a shared human legacy that transcends geographical boundaries.
Ambassadors from Azerbaijan and Morocco, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Indonesia and Uzbekistan, and diplomats from the embassies of Iran and Philippines also attended the event, highlighting its international significance.
The speakers stressed that literary and intellectual dialogue is essential for strengthening people-to-people relations and for promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and dialogue among younger generations.
According to the organizers, the Roundtable Discussion was not merely a literary gathering but an academic initiative aimed at expanding Pakistan’s relations with other countries through the intellectual legacy of Iqbal.
They noted that the dialogue is expected to open new avenues for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Hungary. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants and speakers to engage in detailed discussion.