Iran has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for openly supporting it in the recent conflict against Israel. Pakistan, in turn, has reaffirmed its desire to enhance economic cooperation and bilateral trade with Iran.
For the first time in Punjab, a grand ceremony was held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal under the auspices of the Ministry of Information and Culture. The event featured a stunning performance of Iqbal’s poetry in Persian and Urdu by the Iranian band “Deyrang” and Pakistani singer Muhammad Sami.
Punjab Minister for Information, Azma Bukhari, suggested that, similar to Iqbal Day celebrations, Quran recitation competitions could also be jointly organized by both countries. Iranian Consul General Mehran Mohahed described Allama Iqbal as a symbol of spiritual and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran. Secretary Information and Culture, Tahir Raza Hamdani, said the event was a beautiful representation of Pak-Iran cultural harmony.
Investors are encouraged to set up Iranian carpet display centers in Punjab, as there is strong demand for Persian carpets in Pakistan.
Heroes of any nation are a source of pride, but the founders of a country hold an even higher stature. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal remain foremost among them. Alongside Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Iqbal’s contributions to the creation of Pakistan are unforgettable. Through his poetry and philosophy, Iqbal inspired Muslims in the subcontinent to envision a separate homeland and instilled energy and enthusiasm among the youth. His historic Allahabad Address laid the foundation for Pakistan. The dream that Iqbal envisioned was realized by Quaid-e-Azam on 14 August 1947.
The sacrifices made by our forebears for Pakistan’s independence from British rule are well-known. Pakistan was achieved through great struggle and sacrifice. Unfortunately, some in today’s generation may not fully appreciate this freedom due to a lack of historical knowledge or interest in Pakistan’s founding history. Over time, the contributions of our founders are being forgotten, which is a matter of serious concern. Educational institutions may also no longer present their legacies to young generations as they deserve.
Allama Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy are revered not only in Pakistan but also in major Muslim countries like Iran and Turkey. These nations honor Iqbal as much as Pakistan does, and he is considered almost a national hero in their eyes. Whenever Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an or any Iranian head of state or high-level delegation visits Pakistan, they make it a point to pay respects at Iqbal’s mausoleum-a testament to their deep admiration for him. A significant portion of Iqbal’s poetry is in Persian, which continues to be widely appreciated in Iran and Turkey.
This year, ahead of Iqbal Day, an Iranian delegation visited Pakistan, led by Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The delegation met Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in addressing bilateral issues. They condemned state terrorism and unprovoked attacks on sovereign nations, highlighting that both Pakistan and Iran have been victims of terrorism themselves. Both countries emphasized their shared role as promoters of peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation.
Pakistan expressed its interest in expanding cooperation with Iran, particularly in economic and trade sectors. Dr. Ghalibaf conveyed heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister, the government, and the people of Pakistan for their strong support during the recent Iran-Israel conflict, noting that it earned special recognition from the Iranian public.
Pakistan-Iran relations are rooted not only in geographic proximity or diplomatic necessity but also in deep historical, cultural, religious, and civilizational ties. Notably, Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after its creation. Since then, both nations have continuously worked to strengthen ties through mutual trust, fraternal brotherhood, and Islamic solidarity.
An Iranian delegation, led by Dr. Ahmad Norouzi, Director for Overseas Affairs, also visited Punjab. Minister Azma Bukhari hosted the delegation on behalf of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who was abroad. The delegation included Dr. Abbas Mohammadnejad, Morteza Shamsi, and Ali Mohammad Nafchi. The program included a breakfast and a formal luncheon.
Minister Azma Bukhari highlighted the strong religious and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran, emphasizing mutual respect for Allama Iqbal. She proposed sending a delegation of journalists from Punjab to Iran to further strengthen media and cultural cooperation. Secretary Information Punjab, Tahir Raza Hamdani, gave a traditional welcome to the Iranian guests, while Additional Secretary Culture Muhammad Owais Nawaz, Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmad, and DGPR Fareed Ahmad were also present.
Regarding Quran recitation competitions during Ramadan, Minister Bukhari stated that a draft plan is being prepared in collaboration with the Iranian Consulate. She emphasized that, like Iqbal Day celebrations, these competitions should also be held jointly. Pakistani producers are keen to make a film on Allama Iqbal, and a joint venture with Iranian filmmakers could result in a world-class production. The Punjab government has approved the establishment of a Film City, and work on the project has begun. Iranian support for the project will be explored.
Investors are encouraged to set up Iranian carpet display centers in Punjab, as there is strong demand for Persian carpets in Pakistan. Dr. Ahmad Norouzi noted that IRIB in Iran has a historic Film City, equipped with trained staff and modern facilities, and offered full cooperation for Punjab’s Film City. Iranian participation in Quran recitation competitions was also assured. Exchange visits related to cultural and film projects were deemed timely. Minister Bukhari presented shields to the Iranian delegation.
Under the Punjab Information and Culture Department, Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore hosted a dignified ceremony, “Jashn-e-Iqbal,” to celebrate Allama Iqbal’s birth anniversary. Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Iranian Consul General Mehran Mohahed Far, and Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani attended. The Finance Minister said Iqbal inspired Muslims to break free from stagnation and embrace action, faith, and self-reliance, envisioning a Muslim presence across the world. He added that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s government follows Iqbal’s philosophy of self-reliance, leading the province toward development, enlightenment, and self-sufficiency.
During the ceremony, the Iranian band “Deyrang” and Pakistani singer Muhammad Sami performed Iqbal’s poetry in Persian and Urdu to great acclaim. Iranian Consul General Mehran Mohahed reiterated that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly Islamic nations and described Iqbal as a symbol of spiritual and cultural ties between them. Secretary Information and Culture, Tahir Raza Hamdani, noted that centuries-old Pak-Iran relations are further strengthened by shared cultural and civilizational values. The Alhamra Arts Council also hosted a calligraphy and photo exhibition based on Iqbal’s poetry, which was widely appreciated.
Following the recent Iran-Israel conflict, Pak-Iran relations have reached new heights. Both countries have the potential to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors and reduce reliance on the West.
The writer is the PRO of information minister Punjab.