Artists from Pakistan and ASEAN Member States showcased their rich cultural traditions at the 58th ASEAN Day celebrations in Islamabad, underscoring growing cooperation and shared values between Pakistan and Southeast Asian nations. The event, organized in partnership with the Niftysphere Institute of Arts and Design, featured dynamic performances in music, dance, and traditional arts, captivating audiences and highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in diplomatic relations.
Heads of Mission from ASEAN countries attended the ceremony, with the Ambassador of Myanmar, Mr. Wunna Han, presiding as Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, served as chief guest and delivered a congratulatory address. Minister Khichi praised ASEAN as a model of regional transformation and expressed Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening its collaborative role. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing engagement with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner under the “Vision East Asia” policy and recognized the group’s achievements toward regional unity and economic progress.
Minister Khichi highlighted the successes of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, expressing Pakistan’s full backing for the upcoming Vision 2045. He stressed the need to revitalize regional dialogue to address global issues such as cyber security, food security, climate change, and ethical artificial intelligence governance. Emphasizing practical cooperation, the minister pointed to the ASEAN–Pakistan Cooperation Fund and noted that nearly 30 percent of the initiatives in the 2024–2028 Cooperation Plan have already been implemented. He also called for efforts to address the trade imbalance and promote greater investment, referencing the record $10 billion in bilateral trade between Pakistan and ASEAN nations.
The minister outlined Pakistan’s strengths in digital innovation, agriculture, climate resilience, public health, poverty reduction, and gender equality, offering further partnership opportunities. He also acknowledged the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in ASEAN countries and conveyed optimism about Pakistan’s future as a Full Dialogue Partner.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Wunna Han marked ASEAN’s 58th anniversary and reflected on its founding values of unity and cooperation. He acknowledged Pakistan as ASEAN’s first and longest-standing Sectoral Dialogue Partner, inviting continued collaboration and support for the ASEAN Community’s long-term vision and strategic plans.
On the cultural side, Usman Shah, CEO of Niftysphere, emphasized the institute’s dedication to promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage globally through youth talent and creative platforms, further strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and ASEAN member states.
