Islamabad (IANS) An important academic and intellectual roundtable discussion titled “Iqbal: A Link Between the West and the East” was held under the auspices of the Muslim Institute, in which the need to promote literary, cultural and research ties between Pakistan and Hungary was emphasized.
The discussion was specially attended by Hungarian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Zoltan Varga. In his address, he expressed his commitment to expand educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries and said that literary dialogue can play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations.
The speakers said that Allama Muhammad Iqbal still serves as an intellectual bridge between the East and the West and his thought provides guidance in promoting dialogue, tolerance and common human values at the global level. The participants said that in the current global context, there can be no better foundation for harmony between civilizations than Iqbal’s thought.
At the event, researchers presented a comparative analysis of the revolutionary poetry and concept of freedom of Allama Iqbal and Hungarian national poet Sándor Patófi. According to the speakers, themes such as freedom, self-determination, human dignity, and national awareness are common to both thinkers, which are a common human heritage beyond borders.
The event was also attended by the ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Morocco, highlighting the international significance of the dialogue. Speakers emphasized that literary and intellectual dialogue is indispensable for strengthening public relations and promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and dialogue among the younger generation.
According to the organizers, this discussion is not just a literary session but a serious academic effort to expand Pakistan’s relations with other countries through the thought of Iqbal, which will result in new possibilities for joint research projects, educational exchanges and cultural ties between Pakistan and Hungary. A question and answer session was also held at the end of the event, in which detailed discussions were held between the participants and the speakers.
