Lok Virsa hosts multicultural concert celebrating CIS heritage and Pakistan; Russian envoy highlights cultural diplomacy, humanitarian dialogue and broader Eurasian cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (WNP): The Eurasian Peoples’ Friendship Forum was inaugurated in Islamabad with a vibrant cultural concert at the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), bringing together diplomatic representatives and artists to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Pakistan. The event was held on September 9 under the auspices of the International Russophiles Movement and the Eurasian Peoples’ Friendship Forum.
The event was attended by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Tajikistan Yusuf Sharifzoda, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Azerbaijan Samir Ahmadli, and Executive Director of Lok Virsa Muhammad Waqas Saleem, among other diplomatic and cultural representatives.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khorev thanked Forum Chairman Saqib Khan for organising the concert and acknowledged his contribution to strengthening cultural and humanitarian dialogue between the peoples of Russia and Pakistan.
Khorev also highlighted the relevance of initiatives aimed at promoting broader integration and cultural cooperation across the Eurasian continent, linking the event to the objectives of the Greater Eurasian Partnership initiative put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Russian Embassy.
The concert featured Pakistani artists performing traditional dances and musical compositions while dressed in national costumes representing Russia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Performances showcasing the cultural heritage of the region formed the centrepiece of the programme.
The programme also featured folk traditions and musical performances from the CIS region, providing Pakistani audiences with an opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Eurasia.
The event served as a platform for promoting cultural diplomacy, humanitarian cooperation, friendship and mutual understanding among Pakistan, Russia and the countries of Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.
The gathering underscored the role of people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges in complementing diplomatic relations and creating opportunities for deeper cooperation among the participating countries.
