ISLAMABAD: The two-day international conference on ‘Iran-Pakistan Academic-Cultural Dialogue’ concluded on Wednesday with a commitment from heads of academia from both sides to collaborate across multiple domains, leveraging academic and cultural linkages as a means to foster closer relations between the nations.

The conference, which was aimed at advancing academic and cultural bonds for sustainable Iran-Pakistan relations, was jointly organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). The conference welcomed a delegation of vice chancellors of six Iranian universities, headed by Dr Seyed Abolhassan Navab, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom.

Addressing the closing ceremony, chief guest Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed highlighted the deep religious, linguistic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran. He noted that Pakistan was the first country to recognise Iran, reciprocating the latter’s action in 1947.

Mushahid Hussain Syed paid homage to Iran’s resilience during the Islamic revolution and praised the Iranian people for their pursuit of knowledge, self-sufficiency as well as hospitality towards the Pakistani nation.

He congratulated the HEC, AIOU and Iranian counterparts on successful conclusion of the conference and hoped for further strengthening of bilateral relations through academic engagements.

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed underscored the necessity of academic-cultural dialogue while emphasising the importance of actionable outcomes. He proposed the formulation of a road map for practical measures and devising a mechanism to monitor progress for conference outcomes to materialise in letter and spirit.

Dr Ahmed highlighted the common challenges and constraints between Pakistan and Iran, urging collaboration to resolve them. He stressed the need to work for humanity, and called for steps to resolve the trust deficit through elimination of differences.

Head of Iranian delegates Dr Seyed Abolhassan Navab expressed his gratitude for the hospitality of HEC and AIOU and hoped that the academic and cultural linkages would pave the way for enhancing political and economic relations.

He emphasised the need for removing the prevailing economic barriers faced by the two countries to enhance volume of bilateral trade. He advocated for increased import and export activities to boost economic cooperation.

AIOU Vice-Chancellor Dr Nasir Mahmood thanked the HEC and the participants from the two countries for a successful conference and hoped that the detailed discussions during the two days would yield tangible outcomes across various facets of higher education.

The conference’s second day featured two group discussions on ‘Academic Cooperation between Pakistan and Iran (Capacity and Opportunities)’ and ‘Cultural Cooperation between Pakistan and Iran (Capacity and Opportunities)’.

In the first group discussion, it was proposed that an Iran-Pakistan Universities Centre be established to serve as a hub for Pak-Iran collaborations. To facilitate faculty collaborations, universities from both countries should take practical steps such as exchange visits and joint research projects. It was emphasised that universities in both Pakistan and Iran should assess their strengths in specialised programmes. Formulation of Pakistan Chairs in Iranian universities and vice versa was also discussed.

The panelists explored anticipated opportunities in the cultural realm and agreed on cultural collaboration extending mere language exchange. They identified areas for mutual collaboration including education, fine arts, film, drama and religious tourism. Both sides advocated for strategic efforts to translate Urdu literature into Persian, joint cultural celebrations along with film, drama, and arts exhibitions.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2024