The Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Maen Khreasat, called on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, at his office on Tuesday. Matters of mutual interest, particularly cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Jordan, were discussed during the meeting.
During the meeting, the Ambassador extended a formal invitation on behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Minister to participate in the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, scheduled to be held from 22 July to 2 August 2026 in the ancient city of Jerash.
The Minister graciously accepted the invitation, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and international cultural engagement.
The Minister stated that under existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and Jordan, Pakistan will send a cultural troupe to Jordan, while a Jordanian cultural troupe will also be invited to visit Pakistan, further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and lauded traditional performing arts, including Khattak and Balochi dances. He also expressed admiration for Qawwali, sharing that he had personally experienced the art form in Multan. In response, the Minister assured that a Qawwali performance would be included in Pakistan’s cultural troupe for the festival.
Secretary, Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, was also present during the meeting. He briefed the Ambassador on the newly established Gandhara Heritage Gallery and the ongoing exhibition highlighting Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist civilization. The Ambassador expressed keen interest and assured his visit to the exhibition.
The Minister also informed the Ambassador about the newly inaugurated Gandhara Centre at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, dedicated to the research and preservation of Gandhara heritage.
The meeting concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding, and expanding cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Jordan.
