Islamabad (TDI): President Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated the Week of Tajikistan Culture in Islamabad, highlighting the centuries-old historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan and Tajikistan, rooted in the ancient Silk Route and the shared Persian linguistic heritage.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the president warmly welcomed the Tajik cultural delegation led by the Minister for Culture of Tajikistan, Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda. Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi was also present on the occasion.
President Zardari acknowledged that the delegation visit reflects the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
“For centuries, our regions were linked through the Silk Road, which connected South Asia with Central Asia. These routes carried not only trade, but also ideas, languages, poetry and traditions. Scholars, poets and travelers moved freely across this region, helping shape a shared cultural heritage that still brings our peoples close today,” he said.
The Persian language, the president underscored, has played a special role in this shared history. For many centuries, Persian was a language of learning, poetry and administration in the region now Pakistan, he added.
President Asif Zardari highlighted that Tajikistan remains a proud guardian of this rich heritage. “The great poets and thinkers of the Persian tradition are admired and respected in both our countries, reminding us that culture goes beyond borders,” he said.
He mentioned that Pakistan placed great importance on cultural diplomacy. However, he was pleased to witness cultural exchanges taking practical shape through such an incredible event.
“I am confident that the cultural event by the Tajik delegation in Islamabad and Lahore will be warmly received by the people of Pakistan. I welcome the Minister to visit all the four provinces to host the conclusion of the Week of Tajikistan Culture,” he added.
The president noted that as members of regional organizations such as ECO and SCO, Pakistan and Tajikistan also shared a broader vision of regional cooperation, connectivity and harmony. The friendship between Pakistan and Tajikistan is based on shared values and a shared future, he added.
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Earlier, Minister for Culture of Tajikistan Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda expressed her pleasure and termed it an honour for inaugurating Week of Tajikistan Culture in Pakistan.
She added that Pakistan-Tajikistan bilateral ties were old, spiritual, linguistic, historic and cultural that was expanding in political, economic, security and cultural fields served as a strong expression of strategic partnership and continuous strength.
Pakistan’s heritage and civilization landmarks like Mohenjo Daro, Taxila Monuments, Badshahi Mosque and others are the true remnants of world civilization, Minister Amonzoda said
Tajikistan, she said deeply respects the linguistic harmony between the two nations as our people bear the shared heritage of Persian-Tajik poetry. She mentioned that the Tajik people residing in the northern areas of the country especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and other areas presented shared history of cultural harmony.
“We are not neighbours by borders but rather spiritual partners. The Week of Tajikistan Culture day being held today is a message of peace, cooperation and cultural dialogue,” the Minister said.
Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi in his opening remarks paid homage to the president for his relentless innovative leadership useful in problem solving while handling matters of state affairs and politics.
He lauded the high level Tajik delegation presence in the federal capital on special visit and expressed his pride in managing their grand welcome.
Khichi said Pakistan and Tajikistan shared centuries old deep cultural ties and affinity which is the foundation of our long-term partnership.
The Tajik Minister extended the gift of Tajik Zarduzi Coat and Tajik Toki Cap which the president adorned with joy and thanked her for the souvenir.
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President Zardari also presented the gift of a portrait bearing Persian verses which the Tajik Minister accepted with gratitude. The event ended with warm and lively musical dance performances led by Tajik musical chorus and singers that presented national songs in Tajik as a gift for the people of Pakistan while playing traditional musical instruments of Karnay, Ghijak,
Tanbur, Doira or Dayereh, Tablak, Tajik Nai (flute) and Dutar among others. The chorus performers mostly female were attired in traditional chakan dresses and men wearing chapan (embroidered robes).
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
