Hawzah News Agency- the gathering took place at the Assembly of International Organizations. Participants addressed recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing the need to revisit the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties shared by the two neighboring nations. Experts at the meeting asserted that many existing disputes are the result of foreign interference and the influence of external powers.
Attendees highlighted that Afghanistan and Pakistan are part of a shared civilizational sphere, noting that from the perspective of the Arab world and the West, the people of this region are often viewed as a single cultural entity.
Hojatoleslam Shafqat Shirazi, head of foreign relations for the Pakistan Unity Council, underscored the profound historical bonds between the two countries. He pointed to extensive cross-border movement, family ties, and the prevalence of dual nationality among citizens as evidence of deep social connectivity.
On the religious dimension, Shirazi noted that Islam serves as the most significant identity element uniting the people of both nations. He highlighted the notable similarity in religious composition, stating that Shia Muslims make up approximately 25 to 30 percent of Pakistan’s population, with a significant Shia population also residing in Afghanistan.
Shirazi further elaborated on cultural and civilizational commonalities, stating that the history, literature, language, attire, and lifestyle of Afghans and Pakistanis are remarkably similar. He noted that many poets, scholars, and historical figures are revered in the cultural memory of both countries.
Experts at the meeting stressed that the spirit of religious and national devotion among the people has historically led them to support one another during times of crisis, reflecting a deep social solidarity.
Participants concluded that the current tensions are primarily fueled by the meddling of enemies and hegemonic powers seeking to create division among Muslim nations. They asserted that minimizing such interference would naturally reduce the grounds for discord between the two countries.
Concluding the session, Afghan and Pakistani representatives proposed strategies to enhance bilateral friendship, including expanding cultural dialogue, strengthening ties between religious and academic elites, organizing joint cultural and media programs, and working to increase mutual understanding between the two peoples.
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