A one-day seminar on “Building Bridges between Norway and Pakistan on Social Issues” was organized by the University of Gujrat (UoG) at Hafiz Hayat Campus on Thursday in collaboration with the Norwegian social organization DiaPraxis.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shabar Atiq presided over the seminar. The guests of honour included founder and chairperson Dia Praxis Ms Amna Wasim, former ambassador of Pakistan to Norway Ms Riffat Masood, renowned social worker Salman Sufi and Mr Hamza Rajput. Dean faculty of science Dr Muhammad Mushahid Anwar was in the host’s chair.
Prof. Dr Shabbar Atiq in his address on the occasion said that establishment of an ideal human society is linked with the promotion of positive behaviour and values. Respecting others’ rights and freedom is the essence of all education and learning.
“There is a huge cultural, social and societal divide between the Pakistani and Norwegian societies which has led to many problems and issues in the case of Pakistani immigrants settled in Norway,” Dr Shabbar Atiq said, adding that by promoting and encouraging diversity for generating a shared alignment, a solution to many of the issues could be found.
He underlined the role of universities in youth’s character building and intellectual training in today’s multicultural and diversified world.
“Everyone has the right to live their life,” Amna Wasim said. Both the societies must work together for promoting a positive social thinking and approach among the Pakistanis living in Norway.
Talking about the incidents of forced marriages and other forms of oppression in the name of ‘honour’ among the Pakistani diaspora, she said that we must get rid of the element of fear.
and violence which not only destroys a family but is quite detrimental to the growth of society.
Riffat Masood said that tolerance, forbearance and kindness define a civilised society. Negative social attitudes damage the core values of society. Efforts must be made to eliminate the minor differences and bridge the gap between civilisations.
Salman Sufi stressed the need for a stronger bond between the parents and children. Hamza Rajput said that Pakistanis are a strong and developed community in Norway. They can be more so by being part of Norwegian society.
