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On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I am honoured to send heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on the occasion of his 62nd birthday this February 23. We will also mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Japan this year April 28. In his congratulatory letter to Prime Minister of Japan H.E Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan reaffirmed to deepen and expand our treasured partnership with Japan whilst curbing the global COVID-19 pandemic, and confronting economic challenges posed by pandemic. I would like to appreciate the role of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese companies es...

February 23, 2022 at 9:41 am | Economic Affairs

By Kalim Farooqui The year 2022 signifies 70 years of Pakistan Japan diplomatic relations which were established on April 28, 1952. While we rejoice the important milestone of 70 years of close cooperation, the connection between the two can, in a sense, be traced back to 538 AD when today’s Pakistan, then a cradle of the Gandhara Civilization, served as a source for the promotion of Buddhism in Japan. Gandhara flourished in this region from 500 BC to 10 AD and Buddhism reached Japan during the sixth century. Mutual exchanges and cooperation continued, such as the establishment of a chair for the Urdu language in 1930 at the University of Tokyo and the Takushoku University. Japan is the third largest economy in the world and a majo...

February 23, 2022 at 9:39 am | Economic Affairs

Governments the sector as a drain on foreign exchange and treats it as a cash cow for collecting taxes. Presently, taxes range between 37 to 43% on every car being produced in Pakistan while most of the assemblers/manufacturers are more focused on their principal’s bottom lines in short term than to have a long term vision of sustainability and growth. Since long, auto industry of Pakistan is engulfed in haze. Stakeholders define the purpose and benefit of having auto manufacturing in Pakistan according to their own vested interests. Importers of new and used cars propagate that local manufacturing is not good for the country and we shall be following the import model practiced by oil rich gulf countries. Governments often regards ...

February 23, 2022 at 8:12 am | Economic Affairs

By Mashood Khan “In 2022, we will commemorate 70 years of trade and cooperation. Pakistan was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Japan after signing a treaty in 1952. That same year Karachi became one of the first few cities of the world from where Japan chose to return to business after the war. There are many platforms between both countries but Pakistan-Japan Business Forum (PJBF) is a bilateral forum established in 2001 with a view to promoting trade and investments between the two friendly countries. To achieve this objective, the formation of its Board of Directors comprises ten Directors each from Pakistan and from Japan elected for a period of 3 years. The counter part of PJBF in Japan is J...

February 23, 2022 at 7:58 am | Economic Affairs

By Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Khan “Gandhara” literary meaning the land of fragrance was the ancient name of the tract of country on the west bank of the Indus River which comprises the Peshawar valley and the modern Swat, Buner and. Bajaur. It was a country with rich, well-watered valleys, clear-cut hills and a pleasant climate. Situated on the borderland between India and Western Asia, Gandhara belonged as much and as little to the one as to the other. In the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. E. it formed part of the Achaemenid empire of Persia. In the fourth it was occupied for a brief period by the armies of Alexander the Great. Cooperation between Japan and Pakistan in the field of Buddhist archaeology dates back to the late 60s...

February 23, 2022 at 7:46 am | Economic Affairs

By Ahmad Farooq “Diagnosis not yet complete but the results seem satisfactory”, the cable US President Henry S. Truman received on July 16, 1945, was to change the world. The human eyes saw in less than a few decades, the country rising from ruins and in such a spectacular manner which astounded all political pundits and economic vizards. “Fat Man” code-word for ten thousand pounds device, the first atomic weapon, had been produced and tested at Alamogordo desert in New Mexico, United States of America. While some scientists were skeptical about the destructive capacity of the weapon, others believed that it could make “the air itself catch fire”. In the words of William Lawrence of New York Times, the only journalist ...

February 23, 2022 at 7:25 am | Economic Affairs

By Khawaja Fahad Iqbal He was such a strange guy. He had no regard for his own future, his career and his comfort. Ever since I have come to Japan to pursue my PhD, my friends and relatives have been trying to convince me that look! This is golden opportunity for you! Don’t go back to Pakistan after completing your studies. Find a well-paying job in Japan, establish yourself here and live a comfortable life. Whenever I hear such advice from people, I start thinking about this strange guy. He was born and raised in Japan, became a doctor, and then left everything here for the life of hardships in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan. He was born and raised in Japan, became a doctor, and then left everything here for the life ...

February 23, 2022 at 7:10 am | Economic Affairs

In Preview of International Maritime Arena Marine ecosystem is being monitored through regular patrolling of Marine Protected Areas, Control Boarding operations onboard merchant vessels to ensure compliance with international and national regulations, Port State Control Measures, continuous surveillance of harbour against any environmental hazard and through collaborative training & rehearsing response mechanism against any oil spill incidents. Today, the world faces paramount challenges related to the use of fossil fuels. Environmental pollution, the reality of anthropogenic climate change, and the potential hazards associated with oil and gas have induced policy-makers to draft ambitious plans for transitions to renewable alter...

February 22, 2022 at 9:38 pm | Economic Affairs

Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan His Excellency, Mr. Wada Mitsuhiro, is the current Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan since November 2021. He is a career diplomat and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1983. Since then, he served his country on many diplomatic fronts including as Deputy Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau and Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department; Minister, Embassy of Japan in the People’s Republic of China; Assistant Director-General, Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau; Secretary-General; Secretariat for PALM7; Assistant Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau, MOFA; Consul-General of Japan in Detroit (Michigan and Ohio); Consul-General (Ambassador) of Japan in Hong K...

February 22, 2022 at 8:59 pm | Economic Affairs

February 18,2022Rawalpindi (ISPR)General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is on an official visit to Belgium.During the visit, COAS called on Mr Stefano Sannino, Secretary General of the European External Action Services (EEAS) and General Claudio Graziano, Chairman of the EU Military Committee. During the meeting matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including current situation in Afghanistan and bilateral relations with EU were discussed. COAS said that Pakistan values its relations with EU countries and earnestly look forward to enhance mutual cooperation based on common interests.EU dignitaries appreciated Pakistan's sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to play ...

February 18, 2022 at 11:03 am | Economic Affairs

February 14,2022Islamabad (Press Release)Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood met with German State Secretary for Economic Cooperation and Development Jochen Flasbarth at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr.Flasbarth is visiting Pakistan from 14-16 February 2022, on his first visit to Pakistan and abroad, after recently assuming his office.During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional issues. The Foreign Secretary stated that Germany was a valued, long-standing partner and Pakistan remained committed to further enhancing the bilateral relationship in all dimensions. In 2021, the two countries celebrated 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. He added that Pakistan enjoyed multi-faceted coo...

February 15, 2022 at 11:04 am | Economic Affairs

February 10,2022:Islamabad(Press Release) Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar presided the high-level meeting on new Fertiliser Policy today. The meeting was attended by Minister for Energy Mr. Hammad Azhar and Minister for Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam. The senior officials of these Ministers were also present.The meeting deliberated on framework of Fertiliser Policy in detail. It was briefed that upcoming policy would be structured on three broad areas ie demand, supply and pricing of soil nutrients. It was discussed that the issue of rationalization of gas sale agreements and supply-chain maintenance through local production or imports in conjunction with demand projections would be addre...

February 10, 2022 at 3:01 pm | Economic Affairs

Every year a big number of foreigners come to China and many of them excel in their field. some of them play a pivotal role in the society while a few of them establish the basis of international development & are recognized across borders. Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz, President of China Pakistan Medical Association is a proud Pakistani Surgeon & Medical Expert whose initiative of Silk Road Health Corridor also known as China Pakistan Health Corridor has been recognized well among the international medical community especially by Chinese Government and was conferred the Ambassador of Silk Road Friendship Award and now his initiative has been appreciated by the National Development & Reforms Commission People’s Republic of china. ...

February 10, 2022 at 12:45 am | Economic Affairs

February 08, 2022 Islamabad ( Press Release)Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar met Mr. Najy Benhassine, County Director of World Bank in Pakistan in his office today. Both sides discussed the priority areas of engagement to strengthen the partnership with World Bank in Pakistan.The Minister appreciated the support of World Bank for covid response and health sector. While apprising the key features of industrial policy in pipeline, he urged that World Bank might provide expert advice on formulation of framework of policy. He said that new industrial policy would focus on enhancement of local production, exports bandwidth, and import substitution to step up the industrialisation in Pakistan. Mr. Najy, Coun...

February 8, 2022 at 9:02 pm | Economic Affairs

Prime Minister Imran Khan, concluded his official visit from 3-6 February 2022, to the People’s Republic of China. He visited China on the formal invitation from the Chinese leadership to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games 2022, in Beijing. He attended the Winter Olympics to show solidarity with China and strong support for the Games. He is a sportsman and promotes sports as a tool to promote understanding and harmony for global peace. During the visit, the Prime Minister held talks with H.E. President Xi Jinping, and H.E. Premier Li Keqiang, Chinese entrepreneurs. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, calling for more efforts to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation. ...

February 7, 2022 at 11:58 pm | Economic Affairs

February 6, 2022Stockholm (Press Release)The Embassy of Pakistan in Stockholm Sweden organized a special virtual event, to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day. The key speakers of the event included Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, President of AJK, Mr. Serkan Köse, Member of Swedish Parliament, Mr. Shehryar Khan Afridi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir, Lord Wajid Khan, Member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sara Kukka-Salam, the Mayor of the Opposition in Solna, Dr. Maria Sultan, Director General South Asia Stability Institute and Ambassador of Pakistan Dr Zahoor Ahmed. The event was also attended by journalists and members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora. 2.?Speaking on the occa...

February 7, 2022 at 2:52 pm | Economic Affairs