The Embassy of Pakistan in Hungary opened the exhibition ‘Allure of the East: Interpreting Tradition’ at the National Library of Foreign Literature in Budapest on 13 October 2025, presenting a collection by 20 Pakistani visual artists that explores the dialogue between tradition and modernity. The exhibition highlights Pakistani art through paintings and visual works that consider national identity and cultural roots.
Ms. Sundas Azfer curated the show and said the selection aims to trace how tradition continues to shape contemporary practice. She thanked the Hungarian hosts for the opportunity to bring Pakistani art to Budapest and for supporting cultural exchange between the two countries.
A number of diplomats, Hungarian officials and art enthusiasts attended the opening, with Dr. Sándor Fazekas, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, serving as chief guest. In his remarks he recalled that formal diplomatic relations began in 1965 and noted growing cooperation in political, economic, education and cultural fields, citing Hungarian oil and gas company MOL’s role in Pakistan’s hydrocarbon sector and the bilateral scholarship programme as important links.
Ambassador of Pakistan Mr. Asif Hussain Memon welcomed guests and thanked the National Library of Foreign Literature for hosting the event. He observed that while Pakistan and Hungary are formally celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties, cultural connections extend beyond that milestone, pointing to Allama Iqbal’s poem referencing the Hungarian national poet as an enduring example. The Director General of the National Library quoted Faiz Ahmed Faiz, saying, “The language of beauty is understood by every heart,” underscoring the exhibition’s spirit of mutual understanding.
The exhibition in Budapest is the second organised by the Embassy following a show in September 2023 and will remain on display until 22 October 2025. By bringing Pakistani art to a European audience, the Embassy aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy and showcase the contemporary voices that are redefining Pakistan’s artistic landscape.
