The Punjab University (PU) and Iranian Consulate, in a bid to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the two countries, have decided to initiate teacher-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction between Pakistan and Iran.
The decision came in a Wednesday meeting between the vice-chancellor, PU, Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran and Consul General, Iran in Lahore, Dr Saeed Kharrazi. Speaking to meeting, Kamran stressed that both countries have deep-rooted social, cultural, educational and religious ties and the educated segment including universities of the two countries should consider it as a prime responsibility to further improve the relationship.
Kharrazi regretted that foreign media is trying to create distance between the two countries therefore, people of both the countries should foil their attempt and establish person-to-person contact that would be beneficial for a better Pak-Iran tie. He said the media and youth of Pakistan and Iran should dispel wrong impression about both countries, exchange delegations that would bring them more closer.
Many Iranian universities, said Kharrazi, have introduced Urdu departments and Pakistan studies and invited a PU delegation of teachers and students to visit Tehran as soon as possible.
In addition, the meeting discussed setting up of an Iran Centre at the main PU library with availability of basic information about Iran's culture, education, landscape, tourist resort and decided its possible inauguration during annual celebrations of Iran next month.
The PU Registrar, Professor Dr Naeem Khan, Dean Faculty of Oriental Learning, Professor Dr Saleem Mazhar, Vice Consul of Iranian Consulate Lahore, Hussain Rahimi and Consul's Director General, Abdur Raza Abbasi were also present in the meeting.