Iranian studies center opens at Lahore college

TEHRAN,Feb.25(MNA) -- Iran’s cultural attaché’s office in Pakistan opened a center for Iranian studies at Lahore University College for Women on Wednesday. Governor of Punjab Sardar Muhammad Latif Khosa, Vice Chancellor of the university Sabiha Mansoor and Iran’s cultural attaché Mohammad-Taqi Sadeqi attended the opening ceremony. Pointing to the long historical relationship between Iran and Pakistan, Khosa mentioned that both countries enjoy cultural and economic ties. Iranian culture was one of the most influential one in the world, he said, adding, “Muhammad Iqbal composed most of his poetry in Persian and that departments of studies on Iqbal have been established in the two universities of Mashhad and Tehran.” Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938) was a Pakistani Muslim poet, philosopher and politician. Mansoor next said that the Persian language is the joint heritage of Iran and Pakistan, adding that it is a great honor that the national anthem of Pakistan is in Persian. Sadeqi also expressed his pleasure over the establishment of the center and hoped it helps strengthen ties between the two countries. The Iranology center has been set up at the Persian Language and Literature Department of the university.