Islamabad (Agencies): Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the exhibition of the Islamic cultural heritage in Hungary is evidence of rich Islamic traditions.
He also said that the Hungarian nation was one of the first European Nations which demonstrated peaceful co-existence between Muslim and Christian communities. He said that the photo exhibition of the Islamic heritage of Hungary reflected the rich Islamic footprints left by Ottoman Empire in Europe. He expressed these views while inaugurating three days Photo exhibition of Islamic Heritage in Hungary organized by the National Assembly Secretariat in collaboration with the Hungarian Embassy in Parliament House.
While narrating the brief history of the Ottoman Empire, he said that Hungary was different from other parts of the Ottoman Empire not only for economic and social but also for cultural reasons. He also said that The peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims was well demonstrated by the law adopted among the first in Europe by the Hungarian Parliament in 1916 which granted Islam the status of a legally recognized religion of Hungary. He also appreciated the cooperation between the governments of both Hungary and Turkiye which are working to preserve the Islamic Cultural Heritage of the Ottoman Empire in Hungary. He expressed his hope that Parliament to Parliament contacts between both nations would enhance mutual close ties between both nations.
MNA Ms.Mehnaz Akbar Aziz Convener Pakistan-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group also expressed her gratitude to Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf for encouraging inclusivity in Parliament. While talking about close ties between Pakistan and Hungary, she appreciated the initiative of the Hungary government for enhancing Educational scholarships for Pakistani Students in Hungary. She also said that inclusivity has been the hallmark of the constitution of Pakistan and this exhibition also indicates the efforts of the Hungarian government to promote inclusivity irrespective of religion.
Hungarian Ambassador Bela Fazekas appreciated the cooperation extended by Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf for organizing this exhibition. He also said that Hungary has a rich history of Ottoman architecture in a non-Muslim European cultural environment. He further added that rich Ottoman Islamic architectural heritage is represented by well-preserved and renovated minarets, mosques, and tombs that were built by the finest artist of the era. He also said that parliament-to-parliament contacts are vital for enhancing ties between both nations.
Turkiye Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci said that Ottoman architecture in Hungary was a mix of Eastern and Western elements as Ottoman architects adapted the Islamic patterns. He congratulated and thanked Ambassador Bela Fazekas for exhibiting the commendable exhibition in the National Assembly of Pakistan. Further, he extended his gratitude to Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf and National Assembly Secretariat for organizing this exhibition which enabled the visitors to be a part of Islamic history.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Parliamentarians, Members of the diplomatic community, and Media representatives.