Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture, extended a warm welcome to the cultural delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan led by H.E. Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad. The visit was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Culture and Heritage Huzaifa Rehman, Federal Secretary NHCD Asad Rehman Gilani, senior officials, diplomats, artists and representatives of leading cultural institutions.
The Federal Secretary underscored the deep historic and civilisational links between Pakistan and Tajikistan and stressed that cultural engagement remains central to strengthening cultural ties and people-to-people connectivity. He noted the importance of sustained collaboration to deepen mutual understanding.
Speakers at the gathering highlighted cultural diplomacy as a complementary pillar to bilateral relations, promoting cooperation across arts, music, literature and heritage preservation. Reference was made to the Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in June 2021 as an institutional framework to guide organised exchanges and joint programmes.
The Tajik delegation’s visit was framed as an active effort to reinvigorate cultural exchanges, with a series of performances and activities planned in Islamabad and Lahore to broaden mutual appreciation and reinforce friendships between the peoples of both countries. These events are expected to provide practical avenues for artists and institutions to connect.
During the tour of the PNCA calligraphy and arts exhibition, the delegation appreciated Pakistan’s diverse artistic heritage and noted shared cultural expressions reflected in the exhibited works. The visit offered opportunities for curators and artists from both countries to discuss collaborative initiatives.
A ceremonial moment came when H.E. Ms. Sattoriyon Mattubakhon Amonzod presented traditional Tajik attire to Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Mr. Huzaifa Rehman, a gesture that symbolised mutual respect and the warm cultural bonds between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
The first day concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to deepen cultural cooperation, strengthen institutional linkages and expand people-to-people exchanges, setting the stage for a more dynamic partnership that will sustain and grow cultural ties between the two nations.
