ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on September 10, 2026 organised the launch of Roots Beneath the Snow, an audiovisual book authored by Mian Waheed Ud Din.
The book examines the experiences of Pakistani migrants in Norway, their integration process, and the continuing links between diaspora communities and their country of origin.
In her introductory remarks, Dr Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives, said conversations about overseas Pakistanis often remained centred on figures such as diaspora size, remittances and economic contributions. She observed that these numbers reflected only one part of the story, as behind them were individuals with memories, experiences, aspirations and lasting connections with their homeland.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors of ISSI, said Roots Beneath the Snow brought together academic research and storytelling to examine migration and integration. He noted that the book followed the journey of Pakistani migrants to Norway in the 1970s, recording their struggles, economic progress, family reunification, settlement, and efforts to maintain a balance between traditional values and those of their adopted society.
Mr Zulfiqar Ahmed, Secretary, Workers’ Welfare Fund, who represented Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, underlined the strong bonds overseas Pakistanis maintain with their families and homeland through remittances, investment, knowledge and skills. He said the state must ensure that Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad are provided with the required skills and are able to pursue such opportunities safely, legally and with dignity.
Ambassador Sigvald Hauge, Norway’s Ambassador-designate to Pakistan, spoke about the history of Pakistani migration to Norway since the late 1960s and the community’s notable contributions to Norway’s economic, professional and cultural life. He said the Pakistani diaspora had become an important bridge between Pakistan and Norway, and appreciated the author’s effort to document this shared history.
Mian Waheed Ud Din, the author, said Roots Beneath the Snow emerged from his research on the integration of Pakistani immigrants in Norway. Describing the work as “faction”, a combination of fact and fiction, he highlighted its innovative audiovisual format, which includes 36 chapters and 48 QR-linked videos. He said the book also traced 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, discussed the cultural, familial and identity-related challenges linked to migration and integration. They stressed the need to balance 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 did not require abandoning one’s heritage, adding that overseas Pakistanis could serve as meaningful bridges between Pakistan and their adopted societies in an increasingly interconnected world.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the book and a group photograph.
