On 21 May 2026, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram had the honor of participating as a Guest Speaker at the prestigious launching ceremony of the books “Short Stories of the 20th Century” and “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary,” held at the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), National Heritage & Culture Division, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. The distinguished event highlighted the growing literary, cultural, and academic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and served as an important platform for strengthening intellectual dialogue, regional connectivity, and people-to-people relations.
The ceremony brought together diplomats, scholars, researchers, cultural leaders, media representatives, and academics from various countries to celebrate the importance of language, literature, and cultural diplomacy in promoting regional harmony and mutual understanding. During his speech, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram emphasized the vital role of cultural exchange, literary collaboration, and academic partnerships in preserving shared civilizational heritage and enhancing cooperation among regional nations.
The event featured insightful remarks from several distinguished dignitaries and scholars, including
- His Excellency Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, who highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
- Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), emphasized the significance of linguistic preservation and literary cooperation.
- Professor Muhayyo Abdurakhmonova, renowned Urdu scholar and translator from Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, discussed the importance of literary translations in strengthening intercultural understanding.
- Toshmirza Kholmirzaev, author of the Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary, shared the academic significance of his work in promoting linguistic research and educational collaboration.
- Asad Rehman Gilani, Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division, Islamabad, appreciated initiatives promoting cultural and academic cooperation.
- Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Islamabad, acknowledged the importance of literature and cultural dialogue in strengthening regional partnerships.
Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Hamid Mahmood, Tourism Brand Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, for successfully moderating the event.
The event also witnessed the participation of the Ambassadors of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Türkiye, and Turkmenistan, reflecting the broader regional importance of cultural and academic cooperation.
Such meaningful initiatives reaffirm that literature, language, and cultural dialogue remain powerful bridges for promoting peace, regional understanding, sustainable cooperation, and stronger academic and cultural partnerships between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in the future.
