Allama Iqbal’s Vision Forms Intellectual Bridge Between Pakistan and Tajikistan: Azma Bokhari

Punjab government vows to further strengthen cultural collaboration with Tajikistan
By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE — Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the poetry and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal serve as a powerful intellectual and spiritual bridge between Pakistan and Tajikistan, strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
She was speaking as the chief guest at the Pakistan–Tajikistan Cultural Festival hosted by the Punjab Department of Information and Culture in Lahore. The event featured vibrant traditional dance, music, and colourful performances by visiting Tajik artists, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience. Renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also captivated attendees with a special performance.
A 72-member cultural delegation from Tajikistan, led by Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, participated in the festival. Parliamentary Secretary for Information Punjab Shazia Rizwan, Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Executive Director Alhamra Arts Council Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, and Director General Public Relations Sheikh Fareed Ahmed were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Azma Bokhari conveyed warm greetings from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to the Tajik delegation. She said Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep-rooted similarities in cultural values, traditions, and civilisational heritage, adding that such festivals play a vital role in further strengthening bilateral cultural ties.
The minister reaffirmed that the Punjab government will continue to support initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural cooperation with Tajikistan. Praising Tajik culture, she highlighted the elegance, beauty, and traditional attire of Tajik women, describing these elements as a source of inspiration.
Bokhari also noted that cultural and ethical parallels between the two countries are reflected in shared traditions, including the use of Pakistani attire in Tajik weddings. She said the performances by Tajik artists not only enthralled the audience but also sparked greater interest in Tajikistan’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir said 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 thanked Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister Azma Bokhari for their hospitality and for organising a memorable cultural festival.
At the conclusion of the event, Azma Bokhari visited various stalls showcasing Tajik handicrafts and cultural artefacts, appreciating the depth and diversity of Tajikistan’s heritage.