thefridaynews 
(Report by Hassan Raza)
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), under the National Heritage and Culture Division, Government of Pakistan, hosted a cultural programme in Islamabad celebrating the rich cultural heritage, music and artistic traditions of Bangladesh. The event underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, strengthening bilateral relations and fostering meaningful people-to-people connections between Pakistan and Bangladesh.The programme was attended by *H.E. Mr. Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Pakistan, and Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Government of Pakistan. Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture; Mr. Asad Ur Rahman Gillani, Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division; and Mr. Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, Director General, Pakistan National Council of the Arts,* were also present, along with distinguished diplomats, government officials and members of the cultural community.Addressing the gathering, *H.E. Mr. Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan* emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh through cultural exchange, economic engagement and closer interaction between their peoples. He highlighted the potential for expanding trade and commercial connectivity between Dhaka and Karachi, stressing that enhanced cooperation could create new opportunities for mutual benefit. He also underscored the role of cultural programmes in fostering people-to-people contacts, promoting mutual understanding and bringing the two nations closer through their respective cultural traditions.In his opening remarks, *Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi* warmly welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation, including the High Commissioner and other distinguished guests. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. The Federal Minister highlighted that cultural programmes bring nations closer, promote friendship and provide valuable opportunities for younger generations to learn about each other’s languages, music, arts and cultural heritage. He expressed confidence that such initiatives would further strengthen Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and foster lasting people-to-people connections.The cultural showcase featured a vibrant array of performances celebrating Bangladesh’s rich artistic and musical traditions. The programme included a patriotic dance, traditional duet performances, a Nazrul dance and a presentation inspired by Bangladesh’s folk heritage. Musical performances by renowned singers Naznin Akhtar, Peal Hassan, Nasir and Ethun Babu added to the richness of the occasion, offering the audience an opportunity to appreciate Bangladesh’s diverse cultural expressions.A major highlight of the programme was the Pakistan–Bangladesh Friendship Dance, which symbolized friendship, cultural harmony and mutual respect between the two countries. Through music and dance, the programme celebrated Bangladesh’s distinctive cultural identity and demonstrated the power of the performing arts to transcend borders and strengthen bonds between peoples.The event highlighted the importance of sustained cultural engagement as a means of complementing diplomatic efforts, encouraging artistic collaboration and promoting closer cooperation in the fields of arts, heritage, tourism and trade. It also reaffirmed the role of cultural diplomacy in building mutual trust, strengthening bilateral ties and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh.The programme concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the distinguished Bangladeshi guests by Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Asad Ur Rahman Gillani, Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division,and Mr. Muhammad Ayoub Jamali, Director General, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), as a gesture of friendship, appreciation and mutual respect. The event concluded with a group photograph of the distinguished guests and participants, marking an occasion dedicated to cultural appreciation, enduring friendship and enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
