Russia introduced science, education, and culture at one place in Lahore with launching of the Russian Center for Science, Education and Culture in Lahore, as Russia’s Ambassador for Education and Science in Pakistan Dr Shahid Hassan called the center a hub for cultural exchange and language education in country’s cultural capital.
In an interview with Risala Today, Dr Shahid Hassan said that students from different parts of Pakistan would be facilitated at the center to pursue higher education in Russia. Additionally, the center will provide a complete support to the students to get admission in Kyrgyz universities besides offering scholarships for the talented students.
Dr Shahid Hassan has garnered recognition from the Russian government for his tireless efforts in promoting quality education and fortifying bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia. The Russian Center for Science, Education and Culture has been actively engaging in various initiatives, including roundtable conferences and seminars, Dr Shahid Hassan said.
However, he emphasized that education and culture would remain the center’s primary priorities. To a question, he noted that the center was operating in a private capacity, driven by its mission to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Russia. “We have received moral support from both sides – Pakistan and Russia,” he said. To another question, he said that the center offers three, six- and nine-month language courses.
Dr Shahid Hassan says Russian Center is planning a joint film ventures to promote cultural heritage of both countries
“We have to understand that the language graduates are in high demand at the embassy, and cultural centers, as translators, and in other capacities,” Dr Shahid Hassan said, and confirmed that over 60,000 students from Pakistan have graduated from Russian institutions. “We can strengthen our economy by capturing the Russian market, as they have a huge demand for textile, leather products, pharmaceuticals, fruits, and handicrafts,” he said.
“I have information that Russian investors are interested in investing in the energy sector, including oil and gas refineries, crude oil processing, and mining,” he said. “We can promote tourism in Pakistan by improving hotels, transportation, and security facilities to attract foreigners,” he said. Answering a question, he said that the relations between Pakistan and Russia were growing stronger day-by-day as both the states were collaborating on joint activities.
On the hot issue of Gaza in Palestine, Dr Shahid Hassan stated that just like Pakistan, Russia also shared a common stance on the issue. About future plans, he said that the Russian Center was also planning a joint film ventures and aims to promote bilateral cultural heritage of both the countries by organizing various festivals in both the countries. “We can bring the people of both the countries together by organizing film festivals, exhibitions, education fairs, and exchange of delegations,” he said.
The Russian Centre for Science, Education, and Culture in Lahore is a pioneering institution of its kind in Pakistan. According to Dr Shahid Hassan, plans are underway to establish similar centers in Gujranwala and Faisalabad to expand the center’s reach. He emphasized that these centers aimed to serve the general public, facilitating seamless interaction and access to resources for the benefit of the people.
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