Report by Irfan Siddiqi
TOKYO: The Japan International Press Club hosted a special dinner in honour of senior Pakistani politician and prominent social figure Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood, visiting Pakistani community figure Tahir Nawaz, and Ramzan Siddiq, a leading organiser of the Pak-Japan Friendship Festival. The event brought together a large number of prominent members of the Pakistani community from different parts of Japan.
The dinner was hosted by Irfan Siddiqi, President of the Japan International Press Club, and provided an opportunity for political, social, business and community leaders to exchange views on strengthening unity among overseas Pakistanis and promoting closer people-to-people relations between Pakistan and Japan.
Among those attending the event were Malik Noor Awan, Rifaqat Khan from Toyama, Malik Saleem from Fukushima, Asad Nawaz, Advisor to the Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Sikandar Pasiya, Chaudhry Ansar, Raja Sabir, Amin Qazani, Shehryar Sandhu, Malik Younis, Atiq Khan, Khurram, Hashmat Nawaz, Malik Saleem Boiki, Chaudhry Shoaib, Chaudhry Ruby, Anees Khan, Ehtesham-ul-Haq, Lala Shafqat Khan and Sheikh Amir. Renowned Qawwal Kalay Khan Bhag and Fayyaz were also among the guests.
Speakers and participants appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in Japan towards promoting a positive image of Pakistan and strengthening social and cultural ties between the two countries. They stressed the importance of community engagement and cultural activities in bringing the people of Pakistan and Japan closer together.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special award to Ramzan Siddiq by the Japan International Press Club in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Pak-Japan Friendship Festival and his efforts to promote friendship and cultural understanding between Pakistan and Japan. Participants warmly acknowledged his services and congratulated him on the recognition.
The gathering also carried a strong patriotic spirit in connection with Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14. Towards the conclusion of the event, renowned Qawwal Kalay Khan Bhag performed the popular national song “Dil Dil Pakistan,” drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience and adding a memorable patriotic touch to the evening.
The programme concluded with the national anthem of Pakistan, with participants standing in respect. Guests expressed their best wishes for Pakistan’s peace, progress and prosperity and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening unity within the Pakistani community in Japan while contributing to deeper and lasting friendship between Pakistan and Japan.
