LAHORE: (Thursday, November 20, 2014): Ambassador of Hungary H. E. Istvan Szabo called on Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran here on Thursday at his office. Honorary Consul General Hungary Mahtab H. Mohiuddin, Dean Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences Prof Dr Muhammad Zakria Zakir, Dean Faculty of Oriental Learning Prof Dr Ismatullah Zahid, Prof Dr Syed Akram Shah and Director External Linkages Assistant Prof Dr Maria Maldonado were present on the occasion.

The meeting discussed cultural and educational issues which have relevance in the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Hungary. PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran stressed the need for enhancing bilateral relations in various fields of mutural interest. Mr Istvan said that the great orientalist and educationist Dr Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner of Hungarian origin played a pivotal role in the development of education and institutions of higher education in Punjab. He said that Aurel Steian, another orientalist and archeologist of Hungarian also played an important role in Lahore’s educational history, joining the Punjab University’s registrar and later becoming the principal of the Oriental College. He said Pakistani-Hungarian cultural ties is the work of August Schofft, a painter of Hungarian origin who was active in the Sikh court of Lahore around 1840. Later, PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran presented his books and souvenirs to the guests.