Islamabad: People-to-people interaction and focus on improving cultural, educational and trade ties would be key to improve the historical and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Egypt, scholars from Egypt’s Al Azhar University said during their visit to Islamabad.
“Education and business should be the key focus to improve Pakistan-Egypt bilateral relations in line with the requirements of the new era and promote collaboration among the young generation,” Professor Dr Ebrahim Mohammad Ebrahim from Al Azhar University told Gulf News in an interview.
Dr Ibrahim is the dean of the Urdu department at Al Azhar University in Cairo, one of the world’s oldest institutes, which serves as a centre for Arabic literature and Islamic learning. He is leading a delegation of Egyptian scholars comprising of PhD scholar and lecturer Badreya Mohammad Ahmad, Assistant lecturer Hijazi Rabei and student of Urdu language Shahd Saad.
Everywhere he went Dr Ibrahim surprised Pakistanis with his impeccable Urdu language skills. The man who is the head of the Urdu department at Al Azhar was, in fact, the first Urdu student at the university. “I was the first student to enrol when the department of Urdu was launched in 1979,” Dr Ibrahim said. In 1985, “I came to Pakistan to complete Master’s and PhD degree in Urdu language from Punjab University.”
The degree not only helped him master the language but enabled him to be acquainted with Pakistani culture, and make lifelong friends which is why he feels at home in Pakistan. “It was a scholar exchange programme between Al Azhar University and Punjab University that facilitated my coming here and become a friend of Pakistan, but sadly those programmes are on the decline,” he noted. However, he said about 120 Pakistanis are studying at Al Azhar University.
“Cultural relations between Pakistan and Egypt are strong but there is a need to enhance the ties through education and trade,” Dr Ebrahim maintained. He urged enhanced collaboration between students and businessmen.
Talking about the interaction of people, he said: “Egyptian people love Pakistanis. In Gulf countries, such as the UAE, you will notice a close affinity between Pakistanis and Egyptians.” This connection should be further enhanced to bring the people of two countries closer in a mutually beneficial manner. “There is huge potential to facilitate trade and investment opportunities that remain untapped.”
Speaking to Gulf News, PhD scholar Badreya also emphasised the need for exchange of visits between scholars, artists and entrepreneurs. “Pakistani Ambassador in Egypt, Mushtaq Ali Shah, is doing an excellent job in promoting the ties,” she added.
In 2018, the visit of the Grand Mufti of Egypt to Pakistan and frequent visits of top military leadership recently have contributed greatly towards strengthening of bilateral ties.
