TEHRAN — At a time when official diplomacy and political borders often create distances between nations, the ancient tools of culture have once again proven their ability to build enduring bridges across civilizations. On Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2026, the Iranian capital played host to a prominent cultural event and exhibition titled “Pakistan Through the Ages.” Organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Tehran in collaboration with the ECO Cultural Institute, the exhibition served as an invitation to revisit deep, shared historical roots spanning the Iranian Plateau and the Subcontinent.
The gathering, held at the ECO Cultural Institute headquarters, drew a warm reception from scholars, diplomats, and senior officials from both nations. Far beyond a simple art exhibition, it transformed into a platform for civilizational recognition—one emerging from thousands of years of interaction, trade, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
A Mosaic of Civilizations: From Mehrgarh to the Indus Valley and Gandhara
The ceremony opened with remarks by Mr. Mohammad Hassan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, who presented a broad perspective on Pakistan’s multi-layered and pluralistic cultural identity. In illustrating the nature of this culture, he highlighted that unlike highly centralized systems, cultural affairs in Pakistan are administered through regional and provincial institutions—a decentralized framework that reflects the vastness and extraordinary diversity of the land.
Tracing Pakistan’s historical highlights, the President of the ECO Cultural Institute journeyed from the plains of Sindh and the legacy of Sufi mysticism embodied by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, to the distinct traditions of Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the mountainous valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. He noted that throughout history, mountains have acted not as barriers of separation, but as bridges connecting communities to the Iranian Plateau, Central Asia, and China.
This historical narrative was further deepened in the address by Ms. Ismat Hassan Sial, Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan in Tehran. She traced the roots of this land back over seven thousand years to the ancient settlements of Mehrgarh in Balochistan and the urban centers of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa in the Indus Valley. Highlighting the ancient land of Gandhara in northwestern Pakistan—a melting pot where South Asian, Central Asian, Greek, and Buddhist traditions intersected—she emphasized the timeless truth that civilizations achieve true richness through cross-cultural encounters.
Continuing her address, Ms. Ismat Hassan Sial highlighted the spread of Islam and the subsequent flourishing of art, poetry, architecture, and philosophy. She underscored the indispensable role of the Persian language as a primary medium of administration, scholarship, and literature in the Subcontinent, referencing Allama Muhammad Iqbal as the foremost spiritual and intellectual bridge connecting Pakistan and Iran. Identity, she noted, is not a static phenomenon, but a flowing river enriched by the many streams that join it along its course.
Dr. Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, President of the Saadi Foundation and Head of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature, also attended the event. In his remarks, he spoke about the historical, cultural, linguistic, and literary ties between Iran and Pakistan, highlighting Allama Muhammad Iqbal Lahori’s prominent role in strengthening these bonds and deepening the intellectual and literary connections between the two nations.
Tourism Diplomacy, Shared Heritage, and Commitment to Regional Peace
Forward-looking perspectives and the need to leverage regional potential were also central themes at the event. Mr. Bandpey, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran, described the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) as an invaluable platform for fostering regional integration and sustainable development.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strategic position within the ECO and the deep geographical ties between Tehran and Islamabad, the Iranian Deputy Minister highlighted tourism as an effective instrument for driving economic growth, facilitating travel, and deepening mutual understanding among regional nations. Beyond political and economic cooperation, Mr. Bandpey emphasized that relations between Iran and Pakistan are deeply rooted in a shared civilizational heritage, of which the Persian language and literature form an enduring pillar. He cited Allama Muhammad Iqbal as a monumental figure symbolizing this cultural bond, whose philosophical and literary legacy continues to inspire both nations. Furthermore, acknowledging Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic efforts toward mediation and de-escalation, he reaffirmed that diplomacy, dialogue, and mutual respect remain essential pillars for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Culture: A Language Beyond Politics
The hosting of the “Pakistan Through the Ages” exhibition in Tehran vividly demonstrated once more that the deep historical and civilizational ties connecting Iran and Pakistan transcend the daily flux of political developments. In an era where regional challenges call for closer affinity among nations, revisiting a shared inheritance and celebrating cultural diversity offers a reliable roadmap toward a future defined by peace, friendship, and collective prosperity across the ECO region.