The Pakistani community in Portugal, numbering approximately 50,000, serves as a critical connection between Pakistan and Portugal, particularly through education. Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz emphasized integration, cultural exchange, and the significance of Urdu-Potuguese linguistic ties. A recent event featured notable speakers, cultural performances, and a showcase of Pakistani arts and heritage, attended by dignitaries and community members alike.
The Pakistani community in Portugal plays a significant role as a bridge between Pakistan and Portugal, highlighted during a recent event co-hosted by the University of Coimbra. Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz expressed gratitude to Vice Rector Professor Joao Calvao da Silva for their collaboration, noting that the University has stood as a symbol of academic excellence and a center for intellectual discourse since its establishment in 1290.
The Ambassador pointed out the community’s growth, estimating its population at around 50,000, with approximately 300 Pakistani students enrolled in universities across Portugal, including 83 at the University of Coimbra. He emphasized the necessity of integrating the Pakistani community into Portuguese society, citing their contributions in sectors such as IT and innovation.
Highlighting linguistic ties, the Ambassador mentioned the influence of Urdu on Portuguese and the increasing interest in learning Portuguese in Pakistan. He noted the translation of the Portuguese book ‘Blank Gaze’ (Nenhum Olhar) by esteemed writer Mr. Jose Luis Peixoto into Urdu. The Embassy’s efforts to promote cultural connections include the aspiration to translate contemporary Pakistani literature into Portuguese.
Notable speakers acknowledged the accomplishments of both nations since the initiation of bilateral relations. The event featured a musical performance, screenings of short documentaries on Pakistani arts and crafts, and a photo exhibition showcasing Pakistan’s diverse landscapes, along with archival materials illustrating the history of political relations.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including dignitaries, faculty, and students from multiple universities. Distinguished attendees included Prof. Dr. Albano Figueiredo, Ms. Silvia Silva Dias, Mr. Pedro Almeida, and other respected figures from academia and community organizations. Key representatives from the Pakistani community also graced the occasion, representing their growing presence in Portugal.
The fostering of cultural and educational ties between Pakistan and Portugal is reinforced by the dynamic involvement of the Pakistani community in Portugal, particularly among students. With a shared history of bilateral relations, continued efforts towards integrating the community and enriching cultural exchanges are essential for strengthening this important connection. The event exemplified the potential for collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Original Source: www.theportugalnews.com
