Islamabad — The National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, celebrated International Translation Day 2025 with a seminar organized by the Department of Translation & Interpretation, Faculty of Languages. The event took place at Jinnah Auditorium, Salam Block, and gathered academics, students, and special guests.
Rector NUML, Maj. Gen. Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI (M) Retd. attended the seminar along with DG NUML Brig (R) Nadeem Asghar, the Pro-Rector, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty, and students.
Dr. Humaira Shahbaz, Director of the Department of Translation & Interpretation, opened the session with welcoming remarks. She reminded the audience that the United Nations officially recognizes this day under Resolution No. 288/75. She also announced this year’s theme: “Translation: Shaping the Future You Can Trust.”
Prof. Dr. Jamil Asghar Jami, Dean of the Faculty of Languages, delivered the welcome address. He explained that translation holds immense value today because of those who preserved knowledge and culture through their sacrifices. Moreover, he underlined that their contributions continue to inspire future generations.
The keynote speaker was Professor Jalil Aali (TI), a scholar, poet, and anthropologist. He spoke about the challenges of translating poetry, especially creative writings and Naat. Furthermore, he stressed that translators must balance meaning, form, and cultural context to remain faithful to both language and culture.
Rector NUML shared the university’s upcoming projects. Notably, he announced the establishment of “Bait-ul-Hikmah,” the House of Wisdom, with the House of Translation at its core. In addition, he revealed plans for NUML to begin publishing books in the near future.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of faculty contributions. For the first time, NUML awarded 17 faculty members certificates and shields for their published translations. Consequently, their work stood as a powerful testimony to NUML’s dedication to promoting translation as a bridge for intercultural understanding. Among those honored were Prof. Dr. Muhammad Safeer Awan, Prof. Dr. Jamil Asghar Jami, Dr. Ilyas Babar Awan, Dr. Asma Naveed, Ms. Elena Sumina, Ms. Saniya Iskanova, Ms. Yevgeniya Buch, Dr. Abid Sial, Dr. Lubna Farrah, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, Mr. Muhammad Safir Siddiqui, Dr. Aamir Zaheer, Dr. Amber Yasmin, Dr. Muhammad Safeer, Dr. Shagufta Yaseen Abbasi, Dr. Muhammad Fayyaz, and Dr. Humaira Shahbaz.
The celebration of International Translation Day 2025 ended with gratitude to all participants. Therefore, NUML reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening translation studies, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue, and preparing students to shape a future based on trust and mutual understanding.
