A historic occasion occurred at the Sir Syed Memorial Hall when the first-ever inauguration of the Silk Road Culture Centre (SRCC) took place in Islamabad. The event had ambassadors and diplomats from the Silk Road countries. They included China, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. These ambassadors and diplomats demonstrated their heritage, culture, art, and cuisines to the audience through stalls beautifully set up.
The Chief Guest for this event was Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal. In his speech, Iqbal called the initiative a considerable landmark, opening what he called a new chapter in cultural exchange. He explained how the center would make room for international partnerships in a shared legacy from the historic Silk Road. He also praised private sector initiatives for promoting harmony, development, collaboration, and common goals.
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Naveed Akhtar, the Executive Director of Strategy for Zong, spoke on the shared heritage of Pakistan and Silk Road countries. Silk Road, he said, symbolizes connection, “exchange”, and understanding, and Zong felt proud to be a party to such an initiative.
Chairman SRCC, Jamal Shah, expressed his gratitude by thanking Ambassadors and diplomats for the donation of artworks, cultural artifacts, and other items for display. He further noted that these attributes have empowered the center; hence it is a space where cultural reflection and learning within the same are vibrant.