Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi met with Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Jordan, Major General (R) Khurram Sarfraz Khan, at the National Heritage and Culture Division on Tuesday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral diplomatic and cultural relations between Pakistan and Jordan.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani was also present during the meeting.
During the discussion, both sides held a detailed exchange of views on strengthening Pakistan–Jordan relations through cultural diplomacy. The federal minister said that following the “Marka-e-Haq,” Pakistan has gained respect and recognition at the global level, adding that the international community is now viewing Pakistan with renewed appreciation. He noted that several countries are keen to further strengthen their relations with Pakistan.
Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani highlighted 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 explained that there are multiple reasons for the limited Pakistani presence in Jordan; however, he pointed out that Jordan is home to the shrines of several Prophets and Companions (RA), and a large number of Pakistani citizens are keen to visit these sacred sites.
The meeting emphasized cultural cooperation as an effective means of promoting bilateral relations. The ambassador-designate said that heritage and culture serve as powerful tools for building connections between nations. He added that Pakistan–Jordan relations date back to the time of Pakistan’s independence and can be further strengthened through enhanced cultural collaboration.
Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi stated that Pakistan regularly hosts cultural weeks of various countries and proposed that a Jordan Cultural Week could also be organized in Pakistan to promote mutual understanding and people-to-people contacts.
Appreciating Pakistani craftsmanship, the ambassador-designate said that Pakistan’s handicrafts particularly the intricate woodwork of Chiniot are world-renowned. On the occasion, Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s regional handicrafts, cultural heritage, and the work of local artisans, noting that these handicrafts, artworks, and cultural products could be sent to Jordan for exhibitions.
The secretary further remarked that while Pakistan and Jordan enjoy strong relations at the governmental level, there is a need to further strengthen ties at the public level. The ambassador-designate praised the talent of Pakistani youth, saying that the younger generation possesses innovative and creative entrepreneurial ideas.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani proposed organizing a Pakistan–Jordan Furniture Expo in Jordan, where Pakistani wood carving and handicrafts could be introduced and promoted at the international level.
