Romanian Studies has been inaugurated for the first time in Pakistan

Romanian Studies has been inaugurated for the first time in Pakistan at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), marking a historic milestone in academic and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Romania.

The initiative has been launched by the Embassy of Romania in Pakistan, with the support of the Institute of the Romanian Language, in collaboration with NUML Islamabad. This step opens a new academic and cultural gateway between South Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.

The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at NUML Islamabad. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, Dr. Dan Stoenescu, NUML Rector Maj. Gen. Shahid Mahmood Kayani, Dean Faculty of Languages Professor Dr. Jamil Asghar Jami, Director General Brigadier Muhammad Rafiq Khan, Dr. Huma Hayat Khan, Head of the National and International Linkages Office, senior faculty members, representatives of the Romanian diaspora, and members of the diplomatic community.

This landmark development introduces Romanian language, literature, and cultural studies into Pakistan’s leading multilingual academic environment. By becoming the first university in the country to offer Romanian language courses, NUML reinforces its position as a hub where languages actively interact, encouraging intellectual diversity and cultural dialogue.

Developed in partnership with the Institute of the Romanian Language and supported by the Embassy of Romania, the Romanian Studies program extends beyond language learning. It offers an interdisciplinary academic framework that includes literature, translation, history, and cultural studies, placing Romania within wider European and South Asian intellectual conversations. The program encourages students to explore Romanian culture shaped by historical crossroads, creativity, and resilience.

On the occasion, the Embassy of Romania donated a collection of books to NUML, including titles in Romanian and English covering Romanian culture, history, civilization, art, and literature. The donation was made with the support of the Romanian Cultural Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, strengthening the academic infrastructure of the program.

Inspired by Romanian linguist Eugen Coșeriu’s view of plurilingualism as a form of freedom, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding.

The Romanian Studies program will be coordinated by Dr. Oana Ursache, Doctor of Philology and an expert in comparative literature, culturology, and Hispanic, Oriental, Pre-Columbian, and Arabic literatures. She brings extensive international teaching experience from universities in Romania, Spain, and the United States. In 2021, she also served as Secretary of State at the Department for Romanians Abroad. DrUrsache has chosen NUML Islamabad to establish a new Center of Romanian Studies.

The introduction of Romanian language courses in Pakistan is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote long-term academic and cultural cooperation between Romania and Pakistan, opening new avenues for cultural diplomacy and scholarly exchange.