First Iran-Pakistan cultural heritage festival opens in Lahore
The Cultural Heritage Festival of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, organized by the Khana-e-Farhang in the Pakistani Embassy, opened on Saturday in Lahore, with wide public participation and the presence of government officials.
According to IRNA, the cultural event was inaugurated in the presence of Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehran Movahhedfar and Punjab Minister for Information and Tourism Amir Mir in Lahore, the capital of Punjab Province known as the cultural heart of Pakistan.
During the two-day festival, Iranian tourist attractions, handicrafts, artworks, and literary works were showcased for enthusiasts, alongside a food festival, calligraphy workshop, and cultural program.
The festival received an enthusiastic reception from visitors, particularly the youth, with over a thousand people visiting various sections of the festival on the first day. The Iranian handicrafts and food festival sections received special attention from the visitors.
In his opening speech, Movahhedfar expressed appreciation to the officials of the Punjab government, particularly the Tourism Department, for their collaboration in organizing the festival of the two friendly and brotherly Muslim countries, Iran and Pakistan.
He stated that expanding relations with neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, in all areas is a priority for Iran’s foreign policy, and that arts and culture are among the most influential spheres of activity in this regard.
He added, “Today, a small part of the culture of the two countries is on display at the festival, but even this small part has a significant impact on deepening the fraternal relations between the Iranian and Pakistani people.”
He emphasized that Iran and Pakistan are two great countries with high capacities in economic, commercial, and cultural areas and expressed hope that the festival would familiarize the people of both countries with their cooperation potential.
Amir Mir, for his part, mentioned the historical friendship and cultural commonalities between Iran and Pakistan, stating that both countries have high capacities for developing tourism. The aim of this festival is to introduce people to the tourist and cultural attractions of both countries.
Usman Ali, Managing Director of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab, highlighted the increase in cultural exchanges between the two countries, adding that Iran and Pakistan have abundant cultural similarities, and expanding these exchanges is one of the most effective ways to develop bilateral relations.
Various delegations from the artistic, literary, cinematic, and cultural sectors of Punjab are also expected to participate in the festival, and speeches will be delivered on the expansion of cultural interactions, particularly strengthening relations between Iran and Pakistan.