Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe, launch ‘Pakistan Corner’ at “National Library of Tajikistan”

The Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) in collaboration with the State Institution “National Library” of Tajikistan, has inaugurated a dedicated ‘Pakistan Corner’ in a ceremony that brought together officials, academics, scholars, media persons, students, and cultural figures

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) The Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) in collaboration with the State Institution “National Library” of Tajikistan, has inaugurated a dedicated ‘Pakistan Corner’ in a ceremony that brought together officials, academics, scholars, media persons, students, and cultural figures.

The event marks a significant step in deepening bilateral cultural and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

The ceremony was co-chaired by the Director of the National Library, Ms. Abdukhaliqzoda Lutfiya Abdukholiq, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Tajikistan, H.E., Irfan Ahmed, said a release issued here on Thursday.

Addresses were also delivered by Ms. Lutfiya Sharifzoda, Head of the Main Archives Department of Tajikistan; Mr. Habibullo Rajabov, Professor of the Urdu Department at Tajik National University (TNU); and Mr. Saifiddin Sunnati, Acting Head of the Tajikistan-Pakistan Friendship Society.

In her address, Director Abdukhaliqzoda Lutfiya Abdukholiq welcomed guests to the National Library and underscored its role as a centre for dialogue between civilisations and the preservation of human cultural heritage.

She noted that the Library cooperates with more than 60 foreign institutions and has active MoUs with 16 foreign libraries.

The Director highlighted that the National Library already hosts book corners from 19 friendly countries, and noted that today’s inauguration is grounded in the MoU on Bilateral Cooperation for the Development of Archives and Libraries between the Governments of Tajikistan and Pakistan. In a gesture of friendship, she presented Ambassador Irfan Ahmed with a copy of President Emomali Rahmon’s book Aryan History and Civilisation, observing that it demonstrates the common cultural and historical heritage shared by the peoples of Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Irfan Ahmed highlighted the centuries-old bonds uniting the two nations. “Pakistan and Tajikistan share a relationship that is rooted not only in diplomacy, but in centuries of historical, cultural, and spiritual connections,” he said.

“Our regions were once closely linked through the ancient Silk Route, where traders, scholars, and travelers moved freely, exchanging goods, ideas, and knowledge.”

The Ambassador paid tribute to the shared literary and spiritual heritage of both peoples, citing the enduring influence of luminaries such as Muhammad Iqbal Lahori, Jalaluddin Balkhi (Rumi), and Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, figures whose legacies transcend national boundaries and continue to inspire millions across South and Central Asia.

The Embassy donated a curated collection of books to the National Library, covering Pakistan's history, culture, heritage, and the contributions of its founding fathers and prominent thinkers. A significant portion of the collection is dedicated to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal Lahori.

Describing the significance of the initiative, Ambassador Irfan Ahmed said the Pakistan Corner is “not just a collection of publications, but a symbol of friendship, a platform for learning, and a bridge between the people of Pakistan and Tajikistan.”

Ms. Lutfiya Sharifzoda, Head of the Main Archives Department of Tajikistan, highlighted the rich common heritage shared by Pakistan and Tajikistan and noted recent developments between the two countries in the areas of language, culture, and archival cooperation.

Delivering his remarks in Urdu, Professor Habibullo Rajabov of TNU’s Urdu Department lauded the inauguration of the Pakistan Corner as a significant and positive step towards mutual understanding and people-to-people exchange. He highlighted the contributions of the Urdu Department at TNU to the promotion and development of the Urdu language in Tajikistan, and paid special tribute to the literary legacies of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Lahori, Mirza Ghalib, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

Mr. Saifiddin Sunnati, Acting Head of the Tajikistan-Pakistan Friendship Society, underscored the rich commonalities between the two countries and their shared linguistic and cultural heritage, reaffirming the Society's commitment to fostering closer bilateral ties.

The program also featured poetry recitations by students from Tajik National University and Pakistani students from Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, who performed in both Urdu and Persian, a vivid testament to the living cultural connections that the Pakistan Corner aims to nurture.

The ceremony concluded with a reception for all participants, followed by a guided tour of the National Library.

The Embassy of Pakistan expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and the leadership of the National Library for their partnership and support in bringing this initiative to fruition.