ISLAMABAD, Thursday, December 18, 2025 (WNP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday inaugurated the Week of Tajikistan Culture in Pakistan, highlighting the centuries-old historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan and Tajikistan rooted in the ancient Silk Route and a shared Persian linguistic and literary heritage.

Addressing the opening ceremony at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), the President warmly welcomed a high-level Tajik cultural delegation led by Minister for Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda. The ceremony was also attended by Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.

President Zardari said the delegation’s visit reflected the deep friendship and cooperation between the two brotherly nations. “For centuries, our regions were connected through the Silk Road, which linked South Asia with Central Asia. These routes carried not only trade but also ideas, languages, poetry, and traditions,” he said, noting that scholars, poets, and travelers helped shape a shared cultural legacy that continues to unite the peoples of both countries.

The President underscored the historic role of the Persian language, which for centuries served as a language of learning, administration, and poetry in the region that now comprises Pakistan. He said Tajikistan remains a proud custodian of this rich heritage, adding that poets and thinkers of the Persian tradition are equally revered in both countries.

Highlighting Pakistan’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy, President Zardari welcomed the translation of this vision into practice through the cultural week. He expressed confidence that the events scheduled in Islamabad and Lahore would be warmly received and invited the Tajik cultural delegation to extend the celebrations across all four provinces.

As members of regional organizations such as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the President said Pakistan and Tajikistan shared a broader vision of regional connectivity, cooperation, and harmony. “Our friendship is built on shared values and a shared future,” he added.

Earlier, Tajik Minister for Culture Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda termed it an honour to inaugurate the cultural week in Pakistan. She described Pakistan–Tajikistan relations as historically deep, spiritually rich, and linguistically connected, noting that bilateral cooperation continues to expand across political, economic, security, and cultural spheres as part of a strong strategic partnership.

She praised Pakistan’s civilizational landmarks, including Mohenjo Daro, Taxila, and the Badshahi Mosque, calling them enduring symbols of world heritage. The minister also highlighted the shared Persian–Tajik poetic tradition and noted the presence of Tajik communities in Pakistan’s northern areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as evidence of long-standing cultural harmony.

“We are not neighbours by borders alone, but spiritual partners,” she said, describing the Week of Tajikistan Culture as a message of peace, cooperation, and cultural dialogue.

In his opening remarks, Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi paid tribute to President Zardari’s leadership and welcomed the high-level Tajik delegation, emphasizing that the centuries-old cultural affinity between the two nations forms the foundation of their enduring partnership.

During the ceremony, the Tajik Minister presented the President with a traditional Tajik Zarduzi coat and Toki cap, which he received with appreciation. In return, President Zardari presented a portrait adorned with Persian verses, symbolizing the shared literary heritage.

The event concluded with vibrant musical and dance performances by a Tajik cultural troupe, featuring national songs and traditional instruments such as Karnay, Ghijak, Tanbur, Doira, Tablak, Tajik Nai (flute), and Dutar. The performers, dressed in traditional chakan dresses and embroidered chapan robes, received a warm response from the audience, celebrating the spirit of cultural friendship between Pakistan and Tajikistan.