ISLAMABAD, Sep 10 (APP):The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Thursday organized the launch of Roots Beneath the Snow, an audiovisual book 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, said a press release. Speaking at the launch, …
ISSI launches audiovisual book on Pakistani migrants’ journey, integration in Norway
ISLAMABAD, Sep 10 (APP):The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Thursday organized the launch of Roots Beneath the Snow, an audiovisual book 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, said a press release.
Speaking at the launch, Director CSP Dr. Neelum Nigar said 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.
Ambassador 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.
Secretary, Workers’ Welfare Fund, Zulfiqar Ahmed 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.
Ambassador Sigvald Hauge, Norway’s Ambassador-designate to Pakistan, highlighted the history of Pakistani migration to Norway since the late 1960s and the community’s significant contributions to Norway’s economic, professional, and cultural life.
He noted that the Pakistani diaspora has become an important bridge between Pakistan and Norway and appreciated the author’s efforts to document this shared history.
Mian Waheed Ud Din, the book’s author, explained that ‘Roots Beneath the Snow’ grew out of his research on the integration of Pakistani immigrants in Norway. Describing the work as “faction”, 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’s sense of belonging, including the gradual acceptance of Norway as home.
The book’s 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’s heritage and that overseas Pakistanis can serve as meaningful bridges between Pakistan and their adopted societies, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the book and a group photograph.
