The opening ceremony of the Pak–Tajik Cultural Festival is scheduled to be held tomorrow (Thursday) in Convention Centre Islamabad, as Pakistan and Tajikistan prepare to launch their first-ever joint cultural celebration.
The Pak–Tajik Cultural Festival, to be held from December 19 to 20 (Friday and Saturday) at Lok Virsa, is being organized by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.
This landmark initiative marks a defining moment in cultural cooperation, showcasing the rich traditions, artistic excellence, and culinary heritage of both nations.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi received high-level cultural delegation at Islamabad International Airport.
On arrival of the delegation at PNCA, 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.
Federal Secretary Mr. Gilani, welcoming the delegation, 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.
During a meeting held between Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and the Tajik Minister of Culture, both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy.
The two-day festival will transform Lok Virsa into a vibrant hub of cross-cultural exchange. From noon to 8:00 pm daily, visitors will enjoy live artisan demonstrations, exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, performances of folk music, dance, and theatre, as well as a wide range of authentic Pakistani and Tajik cuisine. Cultural seminars focusing on shared heritage will also be part of the festivities.
Special programming includes film screenings on Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Farsi language seminar on Saturday during the same time.
Renowned Tajik artists Noziya Karomatullo and Muhammadrafi Karomatullo will perform during the festival. Noziya Karomatullo, a recipient of the prestigious Medal “Hizmati Shoista,” and Muhammadrafi Karomatullo, who holds the honored title of Zasluzhenny Artist of Tajikistan, are expected to enthrall audiences with their memorable performances.
Organized as a family-friendly event, the Pak–Tajik Cultural Festival underscores the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between Pakistan and Tajikistan, highlighting the role of culture in building bridges between nations and paving the way for enhanced future cooperation.
