ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organised the launch of “Roots Beneath the Snow”, an audiovisual book authored by Mian Waheed Ud Din, on September 10, 2026.
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, said discussions on overseas Pakistanis often focused on statistics such as diaspora size, remittances and economic contributions. She observed that these figures represented only part of the story, as behind them were people with memories, experiences, aspirations and lasting ties to their homeland.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors of ISSI, said “Roots Beneath the Snow” combined academic research with storytelling to explore migration and integration. He noted that the book traced the journey of Pakistani migrants to Norway in the 1970s, covering their struggles, economic progress, family reunification, settlement and efforts to balance traditional values with those of their adopted society.
Mr Zulfiqar Ahmed, Secretary, Workers’ Welfare Fund, representing Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, highlighted the enduring connections overseas Pakistanis maintained with their families and homeland through remittances, investment, knowledge and skills. He stressed that the state must ensure that Pakistanis seeking opportunities abroad were equipped with the necessary skills and could pursue such 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 said the Pakistani diaspora had become an important bridge between Pakistan and Norway and appreciated the author’s efforts to document this shared history.
Mian Waheed Ud Din said “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 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, highlighted the cultural, familial and identity-related challenges associated with migration and integration. They emphasised 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 did not require abandoning one’s heritage and that overseas Pakistanis could 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.
