Akamatsu Shuichi Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan’
I would like to celebrate the 66th birthday, on the 23rd of this month, of His Majesty Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan, with the readers of The News. This marks his 8th birthday since His Majesty’s accession to the throne. I extend my heartfelt wishes for the continued good health of His Majesty the Emperor and all the readers.
Reflecting the bilateral relationship between Japan and Pakistan, numerous interactions took place at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, held in Japan from April to October last year. This Expo showcased numerous cutting-edge technologies that are both people- and environmentally friendly, deeply impressing over 29 million visitors worldwide. Among these, the Pakistan Pavilion, constructed from pink salt, attracted over 1.8 million visitors. I believe the Pakistan Pavilion played a meaningful role in sparking interest and a sense of closeness toward Pakistan among many Japanese people.
This year, we aim to further strengthen bilateral relations through people-to-people interactions between our two countries. From September to October this year, the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, major international sporting events, will be held in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This will be a grand
Akamatsu Shuichi
event where athletes and officials from 45 Asian countries and regions, including Pakistan, will participate. We hope it will serve as an opportunity to enhance international exchange and mutual understanding through sports. We wish the Pakistani delegation every success and sincerely hope that many people, including high-level leaders from the Pakistani government, will take this opportunity to visit Japan.
I conclude my message by expressing my hope that people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Pakistan will become even more active, and that a cooperative relationship befitting the demands of this new era will be built.
Japan-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad!
Abdul Hameed
Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan
We are honoured to extend felicitations on His Majesty’s Birthday and the National Day of Japan. We wish His Majesty the Emperor of Japan the continued health, wellbeing, and happiness.
The bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Japan are long standing and deeply rooted in mutual respect, trust, and good will. Pakistan-Japan relations have witnessed an enhanced momentum with the recent meetings of the bilateral mechanisms of dialogue between the two countries. Japan has been a major investor and a steadfast development partner for Pakistan, supporting projects in infrastructure, education, energy, healthcare, disaster risk reduction, and human resource development. These initiatives have made a meaningful contribution to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Looking ahead, both countries have scope to broaden engagement in trade, investment, innovation, sustainable development and cultural exchange. A forward-looking partnership, rooted in shared interests and economic complementarity, is already further strengthening cooperation between our two countries.
The Pakistan-Japan Business Forum has played a commendable role in cementing the bilateral ties through its network of entrepreneurs
Abdul Hameed and investors. Their participation in the recently held Pakistan-Japan Joint Government Business Dialogue in January 2026 in Tokyo was both useful and productive.
Pakistan remains firmly committed to maintaining harmonious relationship with Japan and looks forward to forge new partnerships in multiple fields in the years ahead.
I take this opportunity to covey my heartfelt wishes for the enduring peace, prosperity and continued progress of Japan and its friendly people.
Hattori Masaru
Consul-General of Japan in Karachi
On the auspicious occasion of the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, as the Consul General of Japan in Karachi, I am pleased to extend my warm greetings to the people of Pakistan. This celebration provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship and cooperation between Japan and Pakistan.
Japan and Pakistan share a friendship built over more than seven decades, strengthened by sustained exchanges between the governments and people of the two nations. Building on this foundation, this enduring relationship continues to grow, supported by Pakistan’s dynamic youth and its strong potential to further expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.
The city of Karachi and its surrounding regions are of remarkable dynamism and resilience. Serving as the economic heartbeat of Pakistan, Karachi is a hub where numerous Japanese companies work hand-in-hand with their Pakistani counterparts. These enterprises play a vital role in enhancing bilateral trade and investment, alongside their significant contributions to the local economy through job creation and local content development. Their tireless efforts represent a vital pillar of the enduring partnership between our Hattori Masaru two nations. While our nations collaborate at the highest levels, the true strength of our friendship also lies in the hearts of the local communities. Whether it is a clean water project in a remote village, an initiative to support schools and education in underserved areas, or a healthcare initiative in an urban centre, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) continues to touch lives directly, ensuring that the fruits of our cooperation reach those who need them most.
Along with these efforts, the Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi is dedicated to furthering cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges. Academic opportunities under the MEXT Scholarship Programs continue to empower young Pakistanis to pursue higher education in Japan. These alumni, together with Japanese language learners, play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and serve as bridges of friendship, knowledge, and innovation between our two nations. Meanwhile, the cultural initiatives such as the Japanese Film Festival and Japan Fest have provided opportunities to experience the harmony of Japanese traditions.
As we celebrate His Majesty’s birthday, I reaffirm Japan’s commitment to further strengthening Japan-Pakistan relations and sincerely hope that our two nations will continue to work together for growth, prosperity, and a better future for upcoming generations.
Murtaza Y Mandviwalla
Chairman Pakistan Japan Business Forum
On behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF), I extend my heartfelt greetings to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, the Imperial Family, and the people of Japan on this auspicious occasion.
Pakistan and Japan share a deep-rooted friendship spanning seven decades, grounded in mutual trust, respect, and shared values. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1952, Japan has remained a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s development, contributing significantly to infrastructure and social sector projects that have enhanced the quality of life across Pakistan.
In 2026, our partnership will continue to grow stronger. The recently held Pakistan-Japan Strategic Dialogue, followed by the 10th Joint Business Sector Dialogue and the 8th Joint Government Dialogue on January 15-16, 2026 in Tokyo, has reinforced our commitment to expanding bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation. These high-level engagements underscore the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.
Since its inception in 2001, PJBF, alongside its counterpart Japan Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee (JPBCC), has worked tirelessly to Murtaza Y. Mandviwalla. deepen economic ties. As Chairman, I reaffirm our dedication to promoting business partnerships that harness the potential of both nations for mutual prosperity.
On this special day, I wish for the good health of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and for the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Japan.
Long live Pakistan-Japan friendship!
Akira Terakawa
Chairman of the Japan-Pakistan Business Co-operation Committee
On behalf of the Japan-Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee (JPBCC), I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of his 66th birthday. This auspicious milestone offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the longstanding friendship between Japan and Pakistan, while also looking ahead to new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Since its establishment in 1984, the JPBCC has been actively promoting bilateral business ties, trade, investments, and people-to-people interactions between the two countries. In this spirit, we were honoured to welcome Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and Abdul Hameed, Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan, for a business meeting in Tokyo in May 2025. Furthermore, in January, we organized the 10th Japan-Pakistan Private Sector Business Dialogue in Tokyo, attended by Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Abdul Hameed, and Murtaza Y. Mandviwalla, Chairman of the Pakistan-Japan Business Forum (PJBF). These exchanges allowed for candid discussions on strengthening economic ties and improving Pakistan’s business environment. In recent years, Pakistan’s Akira Terakawa economy has faced significant challenges, including high inflation driven by foreign exchange shortages and currency depreciation. The Sharif administration has made notable progress in stabilising the economy through fiscal austerity measures, while vigorously promoting policies such as fiscal reforms to increase revenue and strengthening tax collection, including the introduction of an agricultural income tax. These efforts have received positive recognition from the IMF, which approved an additional lending program of approximately US$7 billion in 2024, followed by a further loan of around US$1 billion in 2025.
With a population exceeding 240 million, Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous country. Approximately 60% of its population is under the age of 30, providing a wealth of young, English-speaking talent. This advantage gives Pakistan enormous potential, and has attracted growing interest from Japanese companies. Currently, around 80 Japanese firms operate in Pakistan across sectors such as automobiles, motorcycles, food, and IT.
People-to-people exchanges also continue to grow. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan started in April 2025 and was held for six months, welcoming over 1.8 million visitors to the Pakistan Pavilion-an impressive and noteworthy achievement. Many Japanese visitors were introduced to the “Universe in a Grain of Salt” theme which represented Pakistan and helped to build greater mutual understanding. We hope this will further raise the number of Japanese visitors to Pakistan.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1952, Japan and Pakistan have maintained strong, friendly ties despite changing political and economic circumstances. Looking ahead, the JPBCC remains committed to contributing to the further strengthening of economic relations between our two countries in order to help maximize the great potential of Pakistan.
Itaru Nakamura
Senior Vice Chairman Pakistan Japan Business Forum
As Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Japan Business Forum, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.
In recent years, Japan and Pakistan have further deepened their cooperative relations in various fields such as economy, politics, and culture.
First, at the World Expo held in Osaka from March 2025, Pakistan held a very wonderful exhibition under the name “Universe in a Grain of Salt” featuring Pakistan’s specialty pink salt, which was highly praised by about 1.8 million visitors, and was awarded the Bronze Medal for its high artistry and creativity. I think this has greatly contributed to attracting interest in Pakistan from Japan and overseas and making it aware of its wonders.
I believe that the visit of many Pakistani dignitaries to Japan in 2025, including Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Special Adviser to Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar, and Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, on the occasion of the Expo Osaka-Kansai 2025, has also had a great effect on further deepening bilateral relations.
On January 15, 2026, the 10th Japan-Pakistan Private Sector Business Dialogue was held in Tokyo Itaru Nakamura co-hosted by Japan-Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee and Pakistan Japan Business Forum. On the next day, January 16, the 8th Japan-Pakistan Public-Private Joint Dialogue was held followed by Japan Pakistan Business Forum held by Japan External Trade Organization. These ongoing dialogues are expected to contribute not only to strengthening bilateral relations but also to regional stability and development.
Pakistan’s economic environment, supported by political stability and foreign aid including IMF loans, is entering a recovery period from 2024 onward, with expectations of exchange rate stability, the end of inflation, lower interest rates, and an increase in foreign currency reserves. Further economic growth and the expansion of foreign investment are anticipated. In particular, regarding mineral resources, the development project of the Reko Diq gold and copper mine in Baluchistan is progressing, and the fact that Komatsu, a Japanese construction machinery manufacturer, signed a contract to supply large-scale mining equipment is a symbolic event for strengthening future relations between Japan and Pakistan.
The Pakistan Japan Business Forum, in collaboration with related organisations including Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, Consulate General of Japan in Karachi and Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan, aims to further contribute to expanding economic exchange.
I sincerely hope that Japan and Pakistan will continue to deepen mutual understanding and trust and work towards further development of cooperative relations.
