Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi Meets International Dignitaries, Holds Discussions with the Imam of the Grand Mosque and the Palestinian Minister of Culture, Visits Imam Bukhari Complex
Islamabad (Special Correspondent): The first International Conference of the Global Islamic Civilization Forum, being held under the theme “The Journey of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” is underway in the Uzbek cities of Tashkent and Samarkand. The conference is jointly organized by Uzbekistan and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and is attended by representatives and delegates from more than thirty countries.
Pakistan is being represented by a two-member delegation led by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khichi, accompanied by Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department.
Addressing the inaugural session, Aurangzeb Khichi emphasized the need to further strengthen and diversify the historic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, a message that was warmly appreciated by the participants.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Federal Minister held meetings with Sheikh صالح bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), Imad Abdullah Hamdan, Palestinian Minister of State for Culture, Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, as well as senior officials of the Global Islamic Civilization Forum and Uzbekistan’s cultural institutions. During the meetings, the participants agreed on the importance of preserving the cultural, intellectual, and civilizational heritage of the Muslim world while promoting mutual cooperation, peace, and tolerance.
The Pakistani delegation also visited the shrine of Imam Bukhari (RA) in Samarkand, offered prayers, and toured the Imam Bukhari Complex and Museum, where they viewed rare Qur’anic manuscripts, collections of Hadith, and other valuable Islamic scholarly treasures. The delegation appreciated the efforts of the administration in preserving this historic heritage.
During the conference, the delegation also met with prominent religious leaders from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The meetings reaffirmed a shared commitment to promoting Islamic civilization, interfaith harmony, peace, and enhanced scholarly and cultural cooperation.