The Department of Information and Culture Punjab hosted a vibrant Pakistan-Tajikistan Cultural Festival, attended by Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, as the chief guest. The festival featured traditional dance, music, and colorful performances by artists from Tajikistan, captivating the audience.
Renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mesmerized attendees with his spectacular performance. The 72-member cultural delegation from Tajikistan was led by Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir. Also present at the event were Parliamentary Secretary for Information Punjab Shazia Rizwan, Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Executive Director Alhamra Arts Council Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, and DGPR Sheikh Fareed Ahmed.
Addressing the gathering, Azma Bokhari extended warm greetings from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to the Tajik delegation. She highlighted that Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep similarities in cultural values, traditions, and civilizational heritage, and the festival serves as a platform to further strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.
She emphasized that the Punjab government will continue to support initiatives promoting cultural cooperation with Tajikistan. Praising the uniqueness of Tajik culture, Bokhari remarked on the beauty, elegance, and traditional attire of Tajik women, noting how these cultural elements are deeply inspiring.
Azma Bokhari further observed that Pakistan and Tajikistan share significant cultural and ethical parallels, while the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal serves as a strong intellectual and spiritual link between the two nations. The performances by Tajik artists enthralled the audience and fostered an increased desire to explore Tajikistan’s rich cultural heritage.
She also noted that the use of Pakistani attire in Tajik weddings reflects the closeness of cultural ties between the two countries. Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir expressed that Allama Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy unite the peoples of Pakistan and Tajikistan. He described his visit to Lahore as a “paradise-like experience” and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister Azma Bokhari for the warm hospitality and memorable festival arrangements.
At the conclusion of the event, Minister Azma Bokhari visited various stalls showcasing Tajik culture, including handicrafts and cultural items, appreciating the rich heritage displayed.