Punjab deepens cultural diplomacy as ASEAN delegation visits Lahore

• Information Minister Azma Bokhari hosts high-level Association of Southeast Asian Nations delegation at formal reception

• Cultural cooperation, shared heritage top talks as delegation briefed on Maryam Nawaz government’s cultural revival initiatives

• ASEAN guests visit Wagah Border and Shalimar Gardens, praise Lahore’s heritage and term Punjab trip memorable, laud government hospitality

 LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Tuesday held talks with a high-level delegation from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), led by Chandra Warsi, Ambassador of Indonesia, and hosted a formal dinner reception in honour of the visiting dignitaries.

The minister, accompanied by Punjab Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, warmly welcomed the delegation. During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the cultural sector and promoting shared heritage between Punjab and ASEAN member states.

صوبائی وزیر اطلاعات و ثقافت عظمٰی بخاری سے آسیان ممالک کے وفد کی ملاقات۔
وزیر اطلاعات و ثقافت پنجاب کی جانب سے آسیان وفد کے اعزاز میں عشائیہ کا اہتمام۔ pic.twitter.com/BFI5QFB44K

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) April 28, 2026

The delegation was also briefed on initiatives undertaken by the government of Punjab under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the revival, preservation, and promotion of the province’s cultural identity.

Speaking on the occasion, Azma Bokhari said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was making dedicated efforts to restore and preserve Punjab’s rich cultural traditions and civilizational heritage, adding that the province’s culture remained distinct, vibrant, and deeply rooted in history.

She said Punjab, under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, was witnessing significant progress across various sectors, particularly in cultural preservation and promotion.

Indonesian Ambassador Chandra Warsi thanked the Punjab government for its warm hospitality and appreciated the province’s rich cultural environment, especially that of Lahore.

He said he was deeply impressed by Lahore’s cultural vibrancy and praised the people of the city for their warmth, hospitality, and lively spirit.

During their visit, the ASEAN delegation was taken to some of Lahore’s iconic landmarks, including the Wagah Border and Shalimar Gardens, where they appreciated the region’s historical significance and architectural beauty.

Later, the minister presented honorary shields to the members of the visiting delegation. The delegates described their visit to Punjab as memorable and thanked the provincial government for the arrangements and hospitality extended to them.

Separately, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari congratulated the newly-elected office-bearers of the Lahore High Court Reporters Association following their success in the annual elections for 2026–27.

In her congratulatory message, she extended best wishes to President Ibad-ul-Haq, Senior Vice President Yousaf Shah, Vice President Munir Ahmad Bajwa, Secretary Shakeel Saeed, Vice President (District Courts) Naeem Malik, Finance Secretary Jamal-ud-Din Jamali, Information Secretary Affan Riaz, and Head of Digital Media Ijlal Haider Zaidi.

Azma Bokhari praised the professional services of court reporters, saying that conveying judicial proceedings to the public with accuracy was a highly responsible duty, which court reporters were performing commendably.

She said court reporting remained one of the most challenging and sensitive beats in journalism, requiring a careful understanding of legal complexities while ensuring factual precision and responsible reporting.