Pak-Iran Cultural Ceremony Held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Lahore; Iranian Consul General Says: “We Are Ready for Both Negotiations and War”

According to Shiite News, a dignified ceremony highlighting the Islamic, historical, and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iran was organized under the auspices of Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex Lahore. The chief guest was the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lahore, Mehran Mouhadfar, while the guest of honor was Director General Khana-e-Farhang Lahore, Dr. Asghar Masoudi.

The event, hosted by Aiwan-e-Iqbal Administrator Anjum Waheed, was also addressed by senior journalist Salman Ghani and Dr. Muhammad Saleem Rao.

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On the occasion, a photographic exhibition featuring Iranian culture and historical sites was also organized, which was highly appreciated by the participants. A large number of teachers, students, intellectuals, and citizens attended the ceremony.

In his address, Iranian Consul General Mehran Mouhadfar highlighted the importance of Allama Iqbal’s poetry and the Persian language, saying that Iqbal’s Persian poetry serves as a strong intellectual and cultural bridge between Pakistan and Iran. He stated that Iqbal’s philosophy provides awareness, courage, and intellectual guidance for the younger generation. He also pointed out the influence of Iranian architecture on Lahore’s historical buildings and emphasized the shared cultural heritage of both countries.

Speaking about the possibility of war between Iran and the United States, the Consul General said that the Iranian nation is not afraid of any superpower. He declared, “We are ready for both negotiations and war, and we stand firmly against the enemy.”

Director General Khana-e-Farhang Lahore, Dr. Asghar Masoudi, said that the continuity of the Persian language is linked with the continuity of Allama Iqbal’s intellectual legacy. He added that Iqbal taught Muslims the lessons of resistance against colonialism and intellectual awakening, while according to him, the concept of Tawheed symbolizes the unity of the Muslim Ummah. He further said that Pakistan-Iran relations are rooted in Islam and a shared cultural heritage, which brings both nations closer together.

Senior journalist Salman Ghani stated that regional politics are rapidly changing in the current era and countries like Pakistan and Iran should further strengthen mutual cooperation to protect their national interests. He said that just as Indian aggression united Pakistanis as one nation, American pressure and attacks also united Iranians. He openly remarked, “I do not hesitate to say that Iran has already won the war.”

Dr. Muhammad Saleem Rao, in his speech, said that Allama Iqbal and Iranian poets have preserved a common intellectual and cultural heritage. He added that Pakistan-Iran relations are based on strong foundations of religion, culture, and history, and there is a need to further expand literary and cultural cooperation between the two countries.