PESHAWAR: Khan-i-Farhang, an Iranian cultural centre here, and the Creative Art Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a private organisation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cultural and educational ties.
The MoU was signed here the other day, marking a major institutional development rooted in the 2025 bilateral agreement between Islamabad and Tehran on mutual cooperation in culture, science and education.
Under this renewed framework, the Creative Art Association joins as an active third-party partner to help plan, organise, and execute joint initiatives across the region.
Addressing the MoU-signing ceremony held at the Imam Khomeini Hall of the centre, organisers highlighted that the MoU transcends mere protocol. Its primary objective is to forge a practical mechanism for promoting visual arts, literature, and shared heritage while creating structured educational avenues for youth.
“This collaboration will unlock vital opportunities for local artists, writers, researchers, and students through exchange programmes, capacity-building workshops, and joint creative ventures,” said Dr Hussain Chagomi, Director General of Khan-i-Farhang, who co-hosted the ceremony alongside Prof Sajjad Ali Orakzai, chairman of the Creative Art Association.
The event drew prominent figures from political, academic, and media circles.
Speaking on the occasion, Ibrahim Kamal, General Manager of Pakistan Television (PTV), Peshawar Centre, pledged full broadcasting support to amplify the initiative. He suggested incorporating iconic Pakistani television dramas and cultural programming into future exchange drives to introduce the region’s shared heritage to broader audiences everywhere.
Former provincial minister Yasin Khalil termed the agreement a historic milestone reflecting the deep-rooted ties of two ancient civilisations. He noted that institutionalising such creative partnerships would foster genuine people-to-people diplomacy and cultural harmony.
Cultural analysts and literary figures from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have welcomed the MoU, highlighting its potential to offer local youth an international platform to showcase their talents while preserving the region’s rich intellectual legacy.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Naushaba Bibi, senior vice-chairperson of the Creative Art Association, who expressed her gratitude to dignitaries and attendees for supporting this new chapter in Pak-Iran cultural ties.
“Today, this landmark partnership creates promising avenues for future generations,” the senior artist added.
Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026
