The Department of French and Italian, NUML, jointly celebrated the “International Week of the Italian Language 2025” under the theme “Italophony: Language Beyond Borders.” On October 15, 2025 at NUML, Islamabad.
Her Excellency Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan, graced the event as Chief Guest. Rector NUML Maj Gen (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M), DG NUML, Brig Muhammad Rafiq Khan, Dean Faculty of Languages Dr. Jameel Asghar Jami, faculty members, and students attended the event.
Ambassador Armellin praised NUML for promoting Italian language and culture, highlighting the growing enthusiasm of Pakistani youth for learning Italian. Addressing the gathering, the ambassador expressed her joy that a full week was dedicated to celebrate the Italian language which is not only a carrier of ancient civilization but is also a language of the modern Europe and advanced world.
The Italian Language Week in the World, currently in its 25th edition, is an annual event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy to promote the Italian language globally, she said and 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 also paid rich compliments to the Pakistani diaspora greatly contributing to the development of Italy, underscoring the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between both countries.
A presentation on “Exploring the Richness of Italian Culture” was delivered by Dr. Saira Ahmad. She brought the richness of Italian culture to life in a beautifully illustrated presentation. With depth and elegance, Dr. Saira Ahmad guided us through the splendors of Italian culture. She termed the Italian language as the language of invention, science, culture, civilization, gastronomy, architecture, cinema and fashion.
Rector NUML, Maj Gen (R) Shahid Mahmood Kayani welcomed the ambassador to the university and observed that the celebration was not merely about honoring a language but appreciating a civilization which has profoundly shaped art, thought, and global culture. He noted that the Italian language served 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.
Addressing the audience, Rector NUML emphasized that language is a bridge connecting people and cultures, commending the department’s partnership with the Embassy of Italy. He encouraged students to continue learning languages and building global connections.
