Iran-Pakistan cultural affinity opens door to wider artistic exchanges, deputy minister says
Iranian Deputy Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs Mehdi Shafiei and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui called Thursday for expanded artistic exchanges between the two countries, pointing to their shared Persian, Islamic and cultural heritage.
“The closeness between Iran and Pakistan may be greater in the cultural and civilizational spheres than in the political sphere,” Shafiei said during a meeting with Siddiqui in Tehran, IRNA reported.
Shafiei said existing artistic links had yet to tap the full potential of the two countries’ cultural relationship. He proposed joint programs in music, devotional poetry and, in particular, calligraphy, where Iran has a long-established tradition and a large community of practitioners.
“Our shared historical memory begins with Hafez, Sa’adi and Attar and, in the contemporary era, reaches Allama Iqbal,” Shafiei said, referring to the celebrated poet revered in both countries.
He also invited the Pakistani envoy to visit Tehran’s Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses a significant collection of Iranian and international works. The museum could host Pakistani contemporary art or arrange exchanges with comparable institutions in Pakistan, he said.
Shafiei pointed to Iran’s active cultural scene, noting that more than 90 theater productions are staged nightly in Tehran, alongside numerous galleries, art schools and university programs across the country.
Iran is also prepared to host leading Pakistani artists at festivals and support Iranian artists taking part in events in Pakistan, he said. The proposals include week-long or 10-day theater seasons featuring contemporary Pakistani productions in Iran, followed by reciprocal performances by Iranian theater companies in Pakistan.
Siddiqui welcomed the proposals and outlined plans for an exhibition titled “Pakistan Through the Centuries” in Tehran, with the possibility of taking it to other Iranian cities. The exhibition would showcase Pakistan’s ancient culture, art and civilization.
“We want the culture of Pakistan to be better known to the Iranian people,” Siddiqui said, noting the strong public interest in cultural exhibitions in Iran.
The ambassador also proposed producing documentaries on the two countries’ cultural heritage and pointed to Pakistan’s longstanding theatrical tradition. He noted that Pakistani artists have already participated in Iranian festivals and received awards.
Siddiqui asked Iran’s Culture Ministry to provide a calendar of upcoming artistic events so Pakistani artists can plan their participation.
Both officials underscored the deep cultural affinities linking Iran and Pakistan, including their shared traditions in music, literature, art and civilization.