ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) came alive as the world-famous Lyudmila Zykina Russian Folk Ensemble “RUSSIA” mesmerized a packed audience with a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural heritage.
The performance, held alongside the 10th Russia-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), celebrated the strong and growing ties between the two nations.
The glittering event was attended by IGC Co-Chairs Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev and Pakistan’s Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, alongside senior officials including Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Elena Grudinina, Deputy Minister of Energy Eduard Sheremetsev, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, and Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev. Ambassador Khorev warmly welcomed the audience and highlighted the power of cultural diplomacy in building lasting partnerships across energy, trade, and culture.
The ensemble stole the show with vibrant folk melodies like Dark Eyes and Pedlars, coupled with traditional costumes and high-energy choreography, leaving the audience spellbound and earning a prolonged standing ovation.
Minister Sergey Tsivilev joined the performance, praising the group for bridging hearts and showcasing Russia’s cultural legacy.
Earlier in the day, the festivities included a ceremony hosted by the Federal Directorate of Education, where student Muhammad Aftab Khan impressed the audience with a fluent Russian presentation on the importance of language learning.
Officials from both countries lauded Pakistan’s efforts in promoting Russian studies, pledging to strengthen educational collaborations further.
The Russian delegation also awarded students, posed for photos with Russian-language learners, members of the Pakistani Abilympics team, and a delegation from NUML University, adding a personal and celebratory touch to the event.
These cultural and educational exchanges set the stage for the 10th IGC session, scheduled to conclude on November 27, 2025, with the signing of multiple protocols and MoUs. The evening highlighted not only the power of art to connect nations but also a shared commitment to deepening diplomatic and cultural ties.
