ISLAMABAD, OCT 15 /DNA/ – The Department of French and Italian, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), organized an event to celebrate the International Week of the Italian Language 2025 under the global theme “Italophony: Language Beyond Borders.”
Her Excellency Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Rector NUML, Maj Gen (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI(M), Director General NUML, Brig Muhammad Rafiq Khan, Dean Faculty of Languages Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami highlighted the significance of celebrating the International Week of the Italian Language and welcomed the Italian Ambassador for her gracious presence.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Armellin commended NUML for its dedicated efforts in promoting Italian language and culture in Pakistan. She expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of Pakistani youth towards learning Italian, noting that it reflects a growing cultural curiosity and mutual respect between the two nations. She further remarked that thousands of Pakistanis are contributing to the development of Italy, underscoring the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between both countries.
A presentation titled “Exploring the Richness of Italian Culture” was delivered by Dr. Saira Ahmad, Programme Officer, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Islamabad, highlighting the depth and diversity of Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Rector NUML Maj Gen (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M) emphasized that the celebration was not merely about honoring a language but appreciating a civilization that has profoundly shaped art, thought, and global culture. He noted that language serves as a living custodian of culture, identity, and creativity, and Italian, spoken by nearly 85 million people worldwide, stands as a language of music, art, poetry, and philosophy.
The Rector further highlighted that NUML’s Italian Department, established in 2007, continues to strengthen cross-cultural understanding through its active collaboration with the Embassy of Italy and AICS. He lauded the department’s contributions toward NUML’s mission of “understanding the world through languages.”
Addressing students, he remarked, “You are the living proof that education transcends books and classrooms—it is a bridge between people, cultures, and nations. Continue to learn languages, engage with the world, and build connections that bring humanity closer together.”
The event concluded with expressions of mutual appreciation and commitment to further deepening linguistic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Italy.
