The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized the launch of Roots Beneath the Snow, an audiovisual book authored by authored by Mian Waheed Ud Din. The book explores the experiences of Pakistani migrants in Norway, the process of integration, and the enduring bonds between diaspora communities and their country of origin.In her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director, Centre for Strategic Perspectives, observed that discussions on overseas Pakistanis often focus on statistics such as diaspora size, remittances, and economic contributions. She noted that these figures represent only part of the story, as behind them are people with memories, experiences, aspirations, and enduring ties to their homeland.\u00a0Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors of ISSI, highlighted that Roots Beneath the Snow combines academic research with storytelling to explore migration and integration. He noted that the book traces the journey of Pakistani migrants to Norway in the 1970s, capturing their struggles, economic progress, family reunification, settlement, and efforts to balance traditional values with those of their adopted society.\u00a0Mr. Zulfiqar Ahmed, Secretary, Workers\u2019 Welfare Fund, representing Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, emphasized the enduring connections that overseas Pakistanis maintain with their families and homeland through remittances, investment, knowledge and skills. He stressed that the state must ensure that Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad are equipped with the necessary skills and can pursue these opportunities safely, legally and with dignity.\u00a0Ambassador Sigvald Hauge, Norway’s Ambassador-designate to Pakistan, highlighted the history of Pakistani migration to Norway since the late 1960s and the community\u2019s significant contributions to Norway\u2019s economic, professional, and cultural life. He noted that the Pakistani diaspora has become an important bridge between Pakistan and Norway and appreciated the author\u2019s efforts to document this shared history.\u00a0Mian Waheed Ud Din, the book’s author, explained that \u2018Roots Beneath the Snow\u2019 grew out of his research on the integration of Pakistani immigrants in Norway. Describing the work as \u201cfaction\u201d, a blend of fact and fiction, he highlighted its innovative audiovisual format, comprising 36 chapters and 48 QR-linked videos. He noted that the book also traces the evolution of the Pakistani community\u2019s sense of belonging, including the gradual acceptance of Norway as home.\u00a0The book\u2019s reviewers: Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Sohail Aman and Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry highlighted the cultural, familial, and identity-related challenges associated with migration and integration. They emphasized the importance of balancing economic advancement with family relationships, cultural values, and ties to the homeland, while respecting the laws, values, and social principles of the adopted country. They noted that successful integration does not require abandoning one\u2019s heritage and that overseas Pakistanis can serve as meaningful bridges between Pakistan and their adopted societies, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world.\u00a0The event concluded with the formal launch of the book and a group photograph.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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