Iranian Cultural Counsellor Visits Pakistan Academy of Letters to Strengthen Literary Ties
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Mr. Majid Meshki, paid a visit to the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in Islamabad, where he held a productive meeting with the Chairperson of the Academy, Dr. Najeeba Arif. The Director General of PAL, Mr. Sultan Nasir, was also present on the occasion.
The meeting centered on enhancing literary and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, two brotherly Islamic nations with deep-rooted historical, linguistic, and cultural connections.
Dr. Najeeba Arif briefed the visiting dignitary on the Academy’s key initiatives, including its work for the promotion of literature in Pakistani languages, support for writers, literary publications, and ongoing cultural activities. She underscored the enduring influence of Persian literature on Urdu, noting that while Arabic had an indirect influence, Persian’s impact has been far more direct and profound. The Chairperson introduced several notable publications, including Gulbang-e-Arzoo, a Persian collection by Dr. Aslam Ansari, and the Persian verse translation of Kulliyat-e-Iqbal by Mr. Muhammad Afsar Rahbeen.
In response, H.E. Mr. Majid Meshki praised the Academy’s contributions, especially its efforts in international literary translations, stating that PAL was effectively representing the literary and cultural face of Pakistan on the global stage. He expressed appreciation for the Academy’s work and reiterated the Iranian Consulate’s commitment to further cooperation in literature. He also highlighted recent Urdu translations of Persian literary works and presented a selection of books as a gesture of goodwill.
Both sides agreed to intensify efforts for mutual translation projects, emphasizing the importance of literary exchange visits to foster deeper cultural understanding. Dr. Najeeba Arif extended a formal invitation to Iranian writers to participate in the international literary conference scheduled to be organized by PAL in 2026, which Mr. Meshki warmly accepted, assuring participation from Iranian literary delegates.
The meeting concluded with a symbolic exchange of books between the Chairperson and the Cultural Counsellor, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and literary collaboration between the two countries.
