Hawzah News Agency- The strong presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran underscored Tehran’s continued commitment to enhancing cultural and academic interaction with neighboring Pakistan.
The three-day exhibition, organized by the National Book Foundation of Pakistan in Islamabad, drew thousands of visitors from academic circles, cultural institutions, and the general public. Iran’s pavilion—the only foreign pavilion at the event—stood out as a hub for regional cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange.
A rich collection of books published by the Iranian Culture House and the Iran-Pakistan Persian Research Center was exhibited, covering fields such as literature, science, philosophy, art, history, and Persian language education. The publications attracted notable interest from university professors, researchers, scholars, and students, many of whom praised the quality and depth of the works.
Beyond the book display, the pavilion served as an interactive cultural platform. Visitors were introduced to various facets of Iranian civilization, from classical literature and visual arts to the country’s longstanding scholarly traditions. Representatives provided detailed briefings on Persian language programs, calligraphy and painting courses, and literary workshops currently operating at the Culture House. These educational and artistic activities, long seen as key components of Iran’s cultural outreach, drew strong attention from young participants eager to explore Persian culture more closely.
During the opening ceremony, Mehdi Taheri, Head of the Iranian Culture House in Rawalpindi, was formally welcomed by Kamran Jahangir, CEO of the National Book Foundation. Jahangir commended Iran’s active and consistent engagement in promoting regional literary cooperation, noting that the culture of reading serves as a vital bridge between societies. He emphasized that such events reinforce the scientific and cultural ties between Iran and Pakistan, which share centuries-old linguistic and civilizational bonds.
Taheri described Iran’s participation in the fair as a “valuable and strategic opportunity” to deepen cultural understanding between the two nations. “This book fair provides a platform for intellectuals and the youth of both countries to broaden their perspectives and strengthen cultural proximity,” he said, expressing appreciation to the National Book Foundation for enabling Iran’s presence.
The event was inaugurated by senior Pakistani officials, including Minister of Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in promoting literacy and cultural appreciation. The Iranian pavilion’s visibility and strong public reception underscored Iran’s role as a key contributor to cultural and academic exchange in South Asia.
The successful participation of the Iranian Culture House reflects Tehran’s broader strategy of strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering dialogue across the region. Officials emphasized that the cooperation between Iranian and Pakistani cultural institutions will continue to expand through joint publications, academic programs, artistic exhibitions, and scholarly partnerships.
As the National Book Fair concluded, organizers, participants, and visitors alike acknowledged Iran’s pavilion as one of the most dynamic and informative sections of this year’s event—a testament to the enduring cultural affinity between the two countries and their shared commitment to advancing knowledge and cultural understanding.
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