Written by Irfan Siddiqi
TOKYO: The Ahl-e-Bait Foundation Japan organized a special reception in honor of renowned Pakistani politician and former Senator Faisal Raza Abidi during his visit to Japan. The event was hosted by the President of Ahl-e-Bait Foundation Japan, Syed Saleem Shah, and was attended by prominent figures from the Pakistani community, leading businessmen, and senior journalists.
Notable participants included Rana Abid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Japan Business Council, senior Osaka-based businessman Aamir Iqbal, and Kanagawa’s well-known business personality Arif Niazi. A young and emerging businessman Hashir from Nagoya also attended the event and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest. Senior journalist and columnist Irfan Siddiqi was also present on the occasion.
While addressing the gathering, Syed Saleem Shah warmly welcomed former Senator Faisal Raza Abidi to Japan on behalf of the Ahl-e-Bait Foundation and the Shia and Pakistani community residing in Japan. He said that Faisal Raza Abidi’s visit was a source of encouragement for overseas Pakistanis and such interactions helped strengthen bonds between Pakistan’s leadership and its diaspora. He emphasized the role of community organizations in fostering unity, awareness, and constructive dialogue.
In his address, Faisal Raza Abidi expressed his happiness at visiting Japan and meeting Pakistanis living abroad. He said he was delighted to see the commitment, discipline, and success of the Pakistani community in Japan. Praising Japanese society, he described Japan as a great nation known for its honesty, organization, and work culture, adding that Pakistan could learn valuable lessons from Japan’s development model. He noted that engagement with overseas Pakistanis always provided him with fresh perspectives and motivation.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana Abid Hussain stated that he looked forward to working closely with Faisal Raza Abidi for Pakistan’s better future. He expressed hope that collaborative efforts could lead to major economic initiatives that might contribute to improving Pakistan’s economic conditions. He formally welcomed Faisal Raza Abidi to Japan and appreciated his interest in engaging with the Pakistani business community.
Kanagawa-based businessman Arif Niazi also welcomed the former senator and said that Pakistani entrepreneurs in Japan were keen to play an active role in Pakistan’s economic development. He stressed the importance of stronger connections between policymakers and overseas investors. Hashir, the young businessman from Nagoya, also welcomed Faisal Raza Abidi and expressed optimism that the visit would help create new opportunities for cooperation.
The event concluded in a warm and positive atmosphere, reflecting unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Japan while contributing to Pakistan’s progress.
