PAL hosts conference to mark Persian Language Day

Pakistan Academy of Letters(PAL), in collaboration with Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran, Rawalpindi, hosted a prestigious academic, literary, and cultural conference to commemorate Persian Language Day and to pay tribute to the great Persian epic poet Hakim Ferdowsi

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Pakistan academy of Letters(PAL), in collaboration with Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran, Rawalpindi, hosted a prestigious academic, literary, and cultural conference to commemorate Persian Language Day and to pay tribute to the great Persian epic poet Hakim Ferdowsi. The conference was chaired by Dr Najeeba Arif.

Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam; Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran in Islamabad, Majid Meshki; Director General of Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran, Dr Mehdi Taheri; Managing Director of the National Language Promotion Department(NLPD), Dr Saleem Mazhar; Dr Amber Yasmeen; Dr Muzaffar Ali Kashmiri; along with notable personalities from Pakistan’s literary, educational, and social sectors.

At the outset of the event, Director General Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran, Dr Mehdi Taheri, welcomed the distinguished guests and appreciated the cooperation of the PAL in organizing this important academic and literary conference.

He particularly thanked the Chairperson of the Academy, Dr Najeeba Arif, for her support and collaboration.

In his address, Cultural Counsellor Majid Meshki highlighted the promotion of Persian language and literature, the literary contributions of Hakim Ferdowsi, and the profound influence of Persian literary traditions on the civilization and culture of the subcontinent.

He stated that Iran is the custodian of a great and ancient civilizational and cultural heritage, whose intellectual, linguistic, and literary identity owes much to Hakim Ferdowsi and his world-renowned masterpiece, Shahnameh.

He remarked that Ferdowsi not only preserved the Persian language but also elevated it to great literary prestige and cultural grandeur, thereby strengthening the identity of Iranian civilization.

Managing Director of the NLPD, Dr. Saleem Mazhar, observed that the languages and literature of the subcontinent remain deeply indebted to Persian language and literature, as Persian greatly enriched the intellectual and cultural traditions of the region and played a foundational role in shaping local languages and literary traditions.

He further stated that Hakim Ferdowsi addressed nearly every aspect of human life and thought in his poetry.

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His works encompass spirituality, ethics, wisdom, and human values, ranging from the praise of Almighty Allah to devotion to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In her presidential address, Dr. Najeeba Arif said that Hakim Ferdowsi was not only a great poet of the Persian language but also a luminous symbol of Eastern civilization, intellectual tradition, and literary heritage. She stated that Ferdowsi revived and strengthened the Persian language at a time when the Arabic language and literature were becoming dominant over other languages.

Through his immortal creation, Shahnameh, he not only safeguarded Persian but also infused it with renewed intellectual, literary, and cultural vitality.

Dr Najeeba Arif further stated that the Pakistan Academy of Letters has always remained committed to promoting dialogue and literary connections among languages, civilizations, and intellectual traditions, and that the historical and cultural ties between the subcontinent and Persian language and literature are of immense significance.

She emphasized that urdu literature, Sufi traditions, and the cultural identity of the subcontinent have been profoundly influenced by Persian literature, and without acknowledging these influences, the literary history of the region cannot be fully understood.

Referring to the current global situation and recent international tensions, she paid tribute to the martyred children of Iran who, despite difficult circumstances, continue to symbolize education, determination, and national resilience. She also welcomed all distinguished guests and thanked the literary community of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for their enthusiastic participation.

Dr Muzaffar Ali Kashmiri, Dr Amber Yasmeen, and other speakers also presented scholarly papers on various aspects of Persian language, Hakim Ferdowsi, and Persian literature.

At the conclusion of the conference, Majid Meshki and Dr Mehdi Taheri presented commemorative gifts comprising books to Dr Najeeba Arif and Dr. Saleem Mazhar. In return, Dr Najeeba Arif presented publications of the Pakistan Academy of Letters as souvenirs to the distinguished guests from Khana-e-Farhang-e-Iran.

The event was attended by prominent scholars, intellectuals, poets, and members of literary and cultural circles.