Lahore, Pakistan: “Many of the challenges confronting the world today can be addressed through civilizational and cultural diplomacy—an approach that seeks to connect nations rather than divide them”.
These views were expressed at an international seminar held in Lahore. The seminar was chaired by distinguished intellectual Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, while the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Lahore, Mehmet Emin Şeşmek, attended as the chief guest. The event was organized by the Pakistan–Türkiye Friendship Forum “Dost,” the Yunus Emre Institute, and the Aiwan-e-Iqbal.
Speaking on the occasion, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami emphasized the need to extend cultural diplomacy into the field of education, noting that academic chairs established in universities play a pivotal role in this regard. He urged the Government of Pakistan to revive endowed chairs in universities around the world that once projected a positive and scholarly image of Pakistan internationally. He described the establishment of the “Dost” forum as a timely and much-needed initiative, observing that such platforms can help safeguard the Muslim world from the onslaught of alien cultural influences.
Consul General Mehmet Emin Şeşmek stated that the shared cultural heritage of Pakistan and Türkiye distinguishes the two brotherly nations globally. Their rich civilizational values, he noted, not only unite them but also serve as a bulwark against aggressive cultural trends. Prominent poet and intellectual Dr. Saadat Saeed highlighted the significance of academic chairs in universities, revealing that chairs established in Konya and Istanbul have helped reconnect Turkish society with its profound intellectual and spiritual heritage.
Among other speakers were Dr. Khalil Toqar, Head of the Pakistan Chapter of the Yunus Emre Institute; Dr. Farooq Adil, Chairman of “Dost”; Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean of the National School of Public Policy; Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Dean of Oriental College, University of the Punjab; Anjum Waheed, Administrator of Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex; Eren Meyas Oğlu, Deputy Director of Yunus Emre Centre Lahore; Dr. Sadaf Naqvi, Professor at Government College Women University Faisalabad; and Dr. Hafiz Amir.
