TASHKENT, Jul 9 (IN): Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Wednesday called for stronger Pakistan-Uzbekistan cooperation in education, technology and culture while addressing the First International Conference on Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.Speaking at the inaugural session of the five-day conference, being held from July 7 to 11 under the theme “The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment,” the minister emphasized that greater collaboration among Muslim countries is essential for preserving, promoting and advancing Islamic civilization.
The conference, organized by the International Center for Islamic Civilization, has brought together scholars, policymakers and experts from across the Muslim world to discuss ways to safeguard and promote the shared heritage of Islamic civilization.Representing Pakistan, Khichi congratulated the organizers and described the conference as a significant platform for strengthening intellectual, cultural and academic ties among Muslim nations. He stressed that unity within the Muslim Ummah is indispensable for the revival and progress of Islamic civilization, recalling that Allama Muhammad Iqbal consistently advocated Muslim unity and urged believers to overcome divisions.Highlighting the centuries-old spiritual and historical connections between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, the minister noted that Iqbal’s thought was deeply influenced by the teachings of renowned Sufi saints, including Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Syed Ali Hamdani, Zia Nakhshabi and Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, who spread the message of Islam across the region.
He said that while Muslims take pride in their rich civilizational heritage, they must work collectively in line with Islamic teachings to build a future worthy of that legacy.Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to stronger ties with Uzbekistan, the minister expressed Islamabad’s readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in higher education, technology, culture and other areas of mutual interest.Pakistan’s delegation also included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Islamabad.
