Exclusive Interview with Federal Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon

Brussels, Belgium – As the heart of Europe welcomed visitors from across the continent, the Pakistan Festival 2026 transformed the Belgian capital into a vibrant showcase of Pakistani culture, traditions, cuisine, music, and craftsmanship. Organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels in connection with Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations on 12 August, the festival attracted members of the Pakistani community, the Kashmiri diaspora, diplomats, and European visitors eager to discover the richness of Pakistan's cultural heritage.

During the event, Derya Soysal had the opportunity to speak with H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Federal Minister of Pakistan and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, about the importance of cultural diplomacy and the future of Pakistan-European relations.

Derya Soysal: Your Excellency, thank you very much for speaking with EUReflect. We are here in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, during Pakistan Festival 2026. What do Belgians and Europeans need to know about Pakistani culture?

H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon:

Thank you very much. This is a great opportunity and an immense pleasure to be with you today.

The Embassy of Pakistan, under the leadership of the Ambassador of Pakistan, has organized Pakistan Festival 2026 in connection with Pakistan's Independence Day on 12 August. This festival serves as an excellent opportunity to promote cultural understanding between Pakistan and the European Union.

Today, you can see visitors from many different nationalities. The Pakistani community, as well as members of the Kashmiri diaspora, are actively participating in the celebrations. People are enjoying Pakistani cuisine, traditional products, cultural performances, and handicrafts. This event showcases the diversity, hospitality, and richness of Pakistan's cultural heritage.

Derya Soysal

Why is it important to bring Pakistan closer to the European Union and, at the same time, bring Europe closer to Pakistan?

H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon:

Cultural exchanges are among the strongest tools for building mutual understanding and friendship between nations. Through events like this festival, Europeans can discover Pakistan's traditions, cuisine, arts, and cultural values, while Pakistanis can engage more closely with Europe.

Such initiatives create people-to-people connections. They encourage dialogue, cooperation, and greater understanding. Culture has the power to connect societies beyond politics and geography.

Derya Soysal:

What message does this festival send to European visitors attending today?

H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon:

The message is one of friendship, openness, and cooperation. Today, thousands of visitors have the opportunity to experience Pakistani food, music, dance, handicrafts, and cultural traditions. It is a pleasant and joyful atmosphere where people come together and celebrate diversity.

This festival demonstrates that Pakistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a strong desire to strengthen its international partnerships through dialogue and cultural engagement.

Derya Soysal:

How do you see the future of relations between Pakistan and the European Union?

H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon:

We already enjoy very good relations with the European Union, and I believe these relations will continue to improve in the future.

Events such as Pakistan Festival 2026 contribute positively to bilateral relations. They create a positive impact, strengthen mutual understanding, and open new opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and European countries.

Derya Soysal:

Do you have a final message for the people of Belgium and Europe?

H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon:

I would like to thank everyone who joined us today. I encourage Europeans to learn more about Pakistan, its people, and its culture. Through dialogue and cultural exchange, we can continue strengthening the bonds between Pakistan, Belgium, and the European Union.

Derya SOYSAL:

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. Let us continue bringing Pakistan closer to Belgium and the European Union, and the European Union closer to Pakistan.

H.E. Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon:

Thank you very much.

Interview conducted by Derya Soysal for EUReflect during Pakistan Festival 2026 in Brussels.