Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi in his office on Tuesday.
During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture and heritage.
Member Punjab Assembly (MPA) Jahanzaib Khan Khichi was also present in the meeting.
The Kazakh Ambassador requested the dispatch of a Pakistani cultural troupe to Astana ahead of the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for rehearsals of joint cultural performances. The troupe is expected to present a musical performance to welcome the Prime Minister upon his arrival.
The Ambassador noted that the visit was scheduled following the recent visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, during which he extended an invitation to the Pakistani Prime Minister to visit Astana.
Responding to the request, the Federal Minister assured that musicians, including singers and a Qawwali troupe, would be sent to Kazakhstan, highlighting Pakistan’s globally acclaimed Qawwals as a hallmark of the country’s rich musical heritage.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, informed that, under the Minister’s directions, Pakistan is showcasing its architectural and artisanal heritage representing ancient civilizations such as Gandhara and Mohenjo-Daro in various countries, and, upon request, it would also be showcased during the Astana visit.
The Ambassador further apprised the Minister that, following earlier bilateral discussions, it had been decided to establish a “Centre for Musical Instruments” in Islamabad. On his request, it was agreed that the Centre would be set up at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), with formal approval to be sought in an upcoming Board of Directors meeting.
Highlighting ongoing cooperation, the Ambassador stated that educational linkages had already been strengthened with Pakistan, while the cultural sector would now be given further focus.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi expressed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing cultural collaboration in line with the agreed roadmap and reaffirmed support for implementing existing Memorandums of Understanding between the two countries in the cultural sector.
The Ambassador also expressed interest in visiting Lahore Museum and the National Museum Karachi, where experts from both countries would jointly select artefacts for an exhibition to be held in Astana. The Minister assured full facilitation in this regard.
During the meeting, the Ambassador extended an invitation to the Federal Minister to visit Astana, which he accepted. The Minister, in turn, invited a cultural troupe from Kazakhstan to visit Pakistan and present traditional performances, noting that similar exchanges had taken place with countries including Turkey and Tajikistan.
Emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy, the Minister stated that cultural exchange remains a key pillar of bilateral cooperation, adding that the Government of Pakistan accords special priority to strengthening ties with Central Asian states.
