The Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in collaboration of the National Library of Republic of Kazakhstan organized a round table conference in Almaty today. The event was organized to celebrate the 140th Birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the 25th Anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan and the 70th Anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Abdul Salik Khan highlighted the contributions of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in literature, prose, poetry, philosophy and politics. He was “Spiritual father of the nation” and “National poet” of Pakistan. The Ambassador also noted the great significance of Allama Iqbal’s Allahabad Address in 1930, which became the basis for creation of separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asian Subcontinent.

The Ambassador said that this year Pakistan is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Independence and congratulated the governments and people of both countries for the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. He also congratulated Kazakhstan for holding the successful International Specialized Exhibition “Astana EXPO-2017”, the SCO Summit and the 1st OIC Summit on science and technology.

He highlighted that this year two Prime Ministerial and one Presidential visit took place from Pakistan. Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Askar Myrzakhmetov’s visit to Pakistan for the 13th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Islamabad this year was highly appreciated. These high level visits gave impetus to our relationship.

Mr. Zhanat Turarovich Seidumanov, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, paid tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal as a great poet. He also congratulated government and people of Pakistan for the 70th anniversary of independence of Pakistan and the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

Mr. Shakeel Faridi, Defence Attaché, spoke about the concept of “Khudi” in Iqbal’s poetry and Mr. Myhammad Rafiq, Country Manager of National Bank of Pakistan, spoke about Allama Iqbal’s vision which formed the basis of Pakistan movement. Deputy Head of Mission read out the Prime Minister message on Iqbal’s Day.

On the occasion, Ms. Iskakova Zaure Yerenovna, senior lecturer and Ms. Kokeeva Diriga Moldagaliyevna, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Indium from Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University spoke about Pakistan-Kazakhstan bilateral relations and philosophy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Ms. Zhaksybayeva Meiz, librarian at National Library of Kazakhstan gave presentation on the activities of the book corner of Pakistan at the National Library of Kazakhstan. Kazakh students also give cultural performance on Dumbra and read famous Kazakh and Urdu poetry.

The event was attended by Almaty Akimate representative, senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Almaty, members of Pakistan community, researcher, teachers and students. The event was followed by a reception.