Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz acknowledged the Pakistani community’s role as a bridge between Pakistan and Portugal at an event co-hosted by the University of Coimbra. With around 50,000 Pakistanis in Portugal, including 300 students, the community enhances cultural and intellectual exchanges. Recent initiatives focus on integrating Pakistani literature into Portuguese culture, alongside celebrations of bilateral achievements through arts and exhibitions.
Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz expressed his gratitude towards Vice Rector, Professor Joao Calvao da Silva, for co-hosting an event that underscored the Pakistani community’s role in fostering connections between Pakistan and Portugal. The University of Coimbra, revered for its rich history and academic rigor since its inception in 1290, epitomizes Portuguese heritage and tradition.
The Ambassador highlighted the significance of the Pakistani community in Portugal, which has reached approximately 50,000 individuals, including around 300 students across various universities, with 83 attending the University of Coimbra. He emphasized the importance of integrating Pakistanis into Portuguese society and recognized their contributions in sectors such as IT and innovation.
Dr. Ejaz remarked on the linguistic ties between Urdu and Portuguese, noting the presence of Portuguese vocabulary in Urdu and the increasing interest in learning Portuguese in Pakistan. He mentioned the recent Urdu translation of ‘Blank Gaze’ (Nenhum Olhar) by esteemed author Mr. Jose Luis Peixoto, reflecting the ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural ties. The Embassy also aims to translate contemporary Pakistani literature into Portuguese to promote understanding in Portugal.
The event celebrated the milestones achieved through bilateral relations, featuring musical performances, short documentaries showcasing Pakistan’s arts and crafts, and a photo exhibition highlighting its diverse landscapes. Additionally, important archival materials related to the historical political relations were presented.
Attendees included dignitaries, faculty, and students from various universities, notably Prof. Dr. Albano Figueiredo of Coimbra University, Ms. Silvia Silva Dias from the International Relations Department, and other prominent figures from both academic and local communities, alongside notable members of the Pakistani community.
In conclusion, the Pakistani community in Portugal serves an invaluable role in enhancing bilateral relations through cultural exchange and educational ties. With a growing presence of around 50,000 Pakistanis and increased integration into society, their contributions across sectors are noteworthy. The recent literary and artistic initiatives underscore the potential for deeper cultural engagement between the two nations, fostering understanding and collaboration between Portugal and Pakistan.
Original Source: www.theportugalnews.com
