By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), in partnership with the Center for International Cooperation, Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, has officially launched a Russian Language Course for beginners at its main campus in Islamabad.
The initiative has received an enthusiastic response, with over 350 applications submitted by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds — including aspiring students planning to study in Russia, business professionals, politicians, journalists, homemakers, IT experts, and more. After a rigorous selection process, 60 candidates were enrolled in the inaugural three-month, face-to-face course.
The course is being led by Ms. Ekaterina Andriets, a seasoned instructor nominated by the Russian Ministry of Education. She brings extensive experience in teaching Russian language and culture and is guiding students through the A1-level curriculum. Classes are held three times a week, with each session lasting three hours.
A formal inaugural ceremony was held at AIOU to mark the launch of the program. The event was graced by Ms. Alina Kolesnikova and Mr. Philip Smolyakov, diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, as Guests of Honor, while Prof. Dr. Syed Amir Shah, Director Administration & Coordination at AIOU, served as the Chief Guest.
In her address, Ms. Alina Kolesnikova highlighted the deepening friendship between Pakistan and Russia, emphasizing the growing engagement in political, trade, educational, and cultural spheres. She reaffirmed the Russian Embassy’s commitment to supporting AIOU not only in language instruction but also in organizing cultural initiatives, including film screenings, poetry sessions, literary circles, and sports events. Mr. Philip Smolyakov, delivering an impressive portion of his speech in Urdu, expressed his personal dedication to strengthening Pakistan-Russia ties.
