The Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi accorded a warm and dignified welcome to the cultural delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan on the first day of its official visit.
The delegation is represented by H.E. Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan.
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 in PNCA today.
In his welcome remarks, the Federal Secretary highlighted the historic, cultural, and civilizational ties shared by Pakistan and Tajikistan, underscoring the importance Pakistan places on its longstanding and friendly relations with Tajikistan. He noted that cultural engagement remains a vital pillar in strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people connectivity.
The speakers emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in complementing bilateral relations and fostering closer cooperation through arts, music, literature, and heritage preservation. Reference was made to the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2021, which provides an institutional framework for structured and sustained collaboration between the cultural institutions of both countries.
The visit of the Tajik cultural delegation was described as an important opportunity to reinvigorate cultural exchanges. Cultural performances and activities scheduled in Islamabad and Lahore are expected to further promote mutual appreciation and reinforce bonds of friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and Tajikistan.
During the visit, the delegation toured the calligraphy and arts exhibition at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), where they appreciated Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage and the shared cultural expressions reflected in the artworks.
A symbolic highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of traditional Tajik cultural attire by H.E. Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod to Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Mr. Huzaifa Rehman, reflecting mutual respect and the strong cultural bonds between the two nations.
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.
