Midway between the big cities of Islamabad and Lahore was the bus stop from which many Pakistanis took the bus to Europe. The journey usually took them via Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. Now it has a new name: Oslo Chowk and was inaugurated in Pakistan last month.
On February 25, Norwegian ambassador to Pakistan Per Albert Ilsaas inaugurated the Oslo Chowk which is located close to the bus stop where many Pakistani migrant workers embarked on their journey towards Europe in 1970. The ambassador remarked that Pakistanis have played a significant role in shaping Norway’s society.
The area has also been referred to as “Little Norway” for years. Aneela Khan, the political secretary of Norwegian Embassy and prominent figures from Pakistani community in Norway who belong to the area, were also present at the occasion.
The Norwegian delegation attended a seminar titled “Celebrating 55 years of Pakistani Diaspora in Norway” held at the Quaid-e-Azam Library Auditorium. “Pakistani immigrants have become the largest migrant community in Norway and are stabilizing Pakistan’s economy by sending remittances”, Ambassador Ilsaas stated.
Khalid Mahmood is one of the initiators behind the name. Mahmood came to Norway at the age of 15 in 1975. For 32 years he was a member of the Oslo city council where he represented the Norwegian Labor Party. He also works as a tram driver. “With this, we want to thank Oslo for the goodwill it has shown our ancestors. There are several thousand people living in Oslo with roots in both Norway and Pakistan. That is why such a commemoration is important,” he said during the inauguration.
Speaking to the participants, the ambassador said that the bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Norway and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan goes back to the foundation of Pakistan in 1947.
*****************************************
You may also like to read: India is Looking to Scandinavia
*****************************************
“Pakistani immigrants are serving in various fields in Norway, and their contributions have brought the two nations closer. Norway stands by Pakistan in addressing energy crises, women’s empowerment and human rights advancement”, the envoy declared.
The naming of the intersection has, however, received a mixed reception locally. Some voices are critical of how the name has been implemented. One of the critics is Muhammad Zubair Raza. He runs the association Mera Apna Kharian.
Norway established its first embassy in Islamabad in 1976, preceded by an honorary consulate in Karachi. Today, Norway also maintains an honorary consulate in Lahore. In 2023, the two countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
Pakistanis were the first non-Western immigrant group making way to Norway in the 1970s.
‘Oslo Chowk’ Inaugurated in Pakistan, reported by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) © Pakistan today