Islamabad : The Pakistan Cultural Forum hosted a dinner in honour of Uzbek scholars Prof Tash Mirza and Prof Mukhaya Abdul Rahman at the residence of literary and cultural figure Zafar Bakhtawari, says a press release.
The gathering was attended by academics, diplomats and cultural figures, including Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik, Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar, Prof Dr Najeeba Arif, Prof Qaisra Alvi, Adil Mirza, Farman Ali, Tahir Farooq, Naeem Khan and Shahbaz Chohan.
Speaking on the occasion, Bakhtawari said he respected anyone promoting Pakistan, its identity, Urdu language and culture abroad. He called Prof Mirza and Prof Abdul Rahman his “heroes”, noting that Mirza’s compilation of a 4,000-word Urdu–Uzbek dictionary was a significant scholarly contribution to bringing the two civilizations closer. He also appreciated Prof Abdul Rahman’s work in promoting Urdu at Tashkent University and her translations of Uzbek short stories into Urdu.
Bakhtawari recalled first meeting Prof Abdul Rahman in 1995 at an event organised by the Pakistan Academy of Letters. He said he planned to hold future events highlighting Mughal Emperor Zahir-ud-Din Babur and Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi.
Prof Fateh Muhammad Malik said he rarely attended public functions now but was pleased to join the gathering in honour of his friend Tash Mirza. He praised Bakhtawari for consistently promoting literature and culture.
Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department, said the event reflected Bakhtawari’s personal commitment to culture.
Prof Dr Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, said she first met Prof Mirza in 1995 and was glad to reconnect through Bakhtawari’s initiative.
