Islamabad, (TDI)– The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in collaboration with the Cultural Consulate of Iran, the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), and Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), has inaugurated the ‘Hafez Shirazi Corner’ as part of the global celebrations marking the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran and also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of AIOU.
Dr. Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, formally inaugurated the Hafez Shirazi Corner, underscoring the enduring literary and philosophical connections between the two nations.
He further praised the initiative as a tribute to Persian literary heritage and highlighted its role in strengthening cultural diplomacy.
The ambassador said that this important literary corner, housed within the AIOU History Museum, is an important deep cultural and academic commitment to fostering literary and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Iran.
The corner also aligns with AIOU’s ongoing preparations for the 50th anniversary of its establishment, an occasion inviting greater international academic collaborations.
Dr. Abdul Aziz, Dean of Social Sciences at AIOU, emphasized the significance of Hafez Shirazi’s poetry in bridging historical and intellectual traditions between Pakistan and Iran.
Dr. Farhat Asif, President of IPDS, reiterated the institute’s commitment to promoting dialogue and cultural exchange, appreciating Iran’s contributions to academia and literature.
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The artistic vision of the corner was brought to life by renowned calligrapher and artist Azeem Iqbal. Known for his mastery in Islamic calligraphy and traditional arts, Iqbal’s work beautifully integrates classical Persian aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression.
His creation at AIOU serves as both an homage to Hafez Shirazi’s timeless poetry and a symbol of cultural unity between Iran and Pakistan.
The ceremony was also attended by Majeed Mishki, Cultural Counsellor at the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan; Dr. Mehdi Taheri, Director General of the Iranian Cultural Center Rawalpindi and Cultural Attaché of the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan, Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of the ECO Science Foundation; Mr. Asif Noor, Chairman Diplomatic Insight Group; and other dignitaries, all of whom lauded the initiative as a meaningful step toward fostering deeper academic and cultural engagement between the two countries.
A Symbol of Cultural and Academic Diplomacy-Hafez Shirazi Corner.
The Hafez Shirazi Corner, named after the renowned 14th-century Persian poet Hafez Shirazi, is a tribute to Persian literature and its influence on South Asian intellectual traditions. The corner features Persian calligraphy, literary works, and artistic representations inspired by Hafez’s poetry, emphasizing themes of love, mysticism, and spiritual wisdom.
With this inauguration, AIOU continues to position itself as a hub for scholarly and cultural collaborations, reinforcing Pakistan-Iran ties through the shared appreciation of literary and artistic legacies.
