ISLAMABAD - Islamic Republic of Iran is marking its active contributions to promote cultural ties in Pakistan, said S .M Saheb-fosool, Cultural Counsellor and Incharge of Cultural Section, Embassy of Iran, during an exclusive interview with TheNation. We are keenly interested in introducing the rich historical culture of Iran in a brotherly state like Pakistan, the Counsellor said, while elaborating on different significant steps, which the Embassy of Iran has undertaken to promote cultural activities here. Extending the details of the cultural activities, the Cultural Counsellor said that Iranian Embassy has set up two Cultural Centres in the twin cities knows as Khana-e-Farhang or Iranian Cultural Centres. These two cultural centres on weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, conduct the cultural activities, he stated. "Our two cultural centres, one in Rawalpindi and one in Islamabad, are very actively promoting cultural ties," he added. Elaborating further on the working mechanism of Iranian Culture Centres, Saheb-fosool mentioned, three classes of Persian language are arranged in these centres thrice a week. These classes are divided into elementary, advanced and intermediate level, depending upon the proficiency of students in Persian language. In addition, two regular classes for the recitation of Holy Quran are also arranged on regular basis every Sunday. Persian language carries the most rich and ancient tales of Iranian culture. We are proactively promoting our language here, since Pakistan is a tremendous spot for Persian scholars, said the Iranian Diplomat while paying gratitude to numerous Pakistani scholars who excelled in Persian literature. On the cultural fronts, Saheb argued, Iranian Embassy has initiated worth mentioning steps for the promotion of Iranian movies in Pakistan. Every Sunday, an Iranian movie is shown in Khana-e-Farhang Rawalpindi, he informed, adding, the movies are translated from Persian to Urdu, so that maximum number of audiences could grasp the essence of those movies. Two quarterly magazines, comprising the Persian Magazine "Danish" and Urdu magazine "Pegham Ashna" are also published by Khana-e-Farhang Iran. The monthly programmes organised by the Consulate include book-launching ceremonies, painting exhibitions of Pakistanis and Persian artists, social get-togethers and cultural festivals. Recently, we launched the new book about Ameer Alisheer, a famous Persian philosopher. Ameer Alisheer is very famous in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan besides Iran, so the launching ceremony was attended by a large number of Iranians, Uzbeks and Afghan nationals, the Counsellor added. Last month, Khana-e-Farhang had organsied a ceremony about Haj, which gained immense popularity, mentioned the Diplomat. We want to introduce new ideas on cultural fronts, and we are really focusing on different areas in this regard, he stated. Fosool was of the view that there were different areas that had immense potential and that needed to be focused upon, including tourism, scientific joint areas, languages, arts, traditions and customs, and exchange of tourists. "Promotion of Persian in Pakistan and Urdu in Iran, along with the frequent exchanges of students, scientists, experts, engineers scholars and artists are some of our top priorities," mentioned the Envoy.