PESHAWAR: Speakers at an event here on Wednesday stressed the need for exploring cultural, literary and social relations between Pakistan and Iran to strengthen stability in the region, based on shared legacy through different exchange programmes.

The event was held at Edwardes College Peshawar to inaugurate Iran Corner in its main library. The inaugural ceremony was followed by an exhibition of inscriptions, showcasing common heritage of Pakistan and Iran.

Diplomats, scholars and faculty members attended the event. They said that Pakistan and Iran had played a significant role in restoration of peace and stability in the region. They added that mutual ties between the two countries could be further cemented through exchange initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Khana-i-Farhang Iran Peshawar Director General Mehran Skindaryan said that Iran and Pakistan being neighbours enjoyed close religious, cultural, literary and social ties. He added that old relations required to be rediscovered for the benefit of the young generation.

“I am pleased to inaugurate Iran Corner at the historic Edwardes College Peshawar where students will benefit from the treasure trove of books and pamphlets besides getting inspiration from photos and images fixed up in the gallery of the college corridor,” he said.

Prof Suhja Ali Khan, the principal of Edwardes College, said that Pakistan and Iran had much in common, especially in terms of language, culture and history. He added that the time had come to rethink and revisit those common grounds for sharing rich cultural medley.

He said that Urdu literature and all regional languages were indebted to Persian owing to its vastness and poetic traditions.

Prof Fakhrul Islam, the director of Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, said on the occasion that students and teachers could benefit from mutual research work and scholarships related to the common heritage of Pakistan and Iran.

“Mutual exchange initiatives will promote better understanding between the brotherly countries,” he said.

Dr Abdul Samad, the director of archaeology and museums, said that Pakistan and Iran had numerous opportunities for research and mutual initiatives on tangible and intangible heritage. He said that that Iran Corner would provide a deep peep into diverse cultural milieu enjoyed by both the countries for centuries.

Prof Mehrun Nisa, Humaira Imran, Alveena and Zainab from English department coordinated the event.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2022