Japanese emperor’s birthday celebrated

The embassy of Japan hosted a grand reception for over 800 guests at Serena Hotel to commemorate the 83rd birthday of Emperor Akihito. The ambassador of Japan and Mrs Takashi Kurai welcomed foreign and local dignitaries, businessmen and others from different sections of society.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Kurai said: “Pakistan is one of the first countries to which Japan started providing Official Development Assistance in 1954. I would also like to mention that Pakistan is a country which the emperor and the empress visited in 1962 when they were the prince and princess.”

He said the 64 years of cordial relationship between the two nations was a valuable asset and solid foundation for the cooperation but the potential has not yet been fully utilised.

“I believe that both of us can do more to further strengthen and deepen the already good relations for the benefit of both the countries.”

Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, who was the guest of honour, said next year would mark the 65th anniversary of the strong cordial ties between Japan and Pakistan. He expressed good wishes for the emperor on his birthday.

Katsunori Ashida, the head of public affairs at the Japanese embassy, sang both the Japanese and Pakistani national anthems with equal verve and accuracy. He went on to prepare sushi at a live station to supplement the magnificent feast of Pakistani and continental cuisines. Sushi and tempura formed the Japanese part of the menu.

Japanese companies, including Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kansai Paint, NEC and NIPRO, showcased their work and association with Japan in the foyer. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was also present to share the development work it has been carrying out in Pakistan.

Romania celebrates national day

Ambassador Nicolae Goia and his wife welcomed hundreds of guests in Marriott Hotel’s largest hall to celebrate Romania’s national day on December 1 with decorations in the tricolor flag colours of blue, yellow and red. The Great Union Day, ‘Ziua Marii Uniri’, commemorates the country’s unification of its several provinces in 1918.

The chief guest on the occasion was Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Interprovincial Cooperation.

Dr Goia took up his assignment in Pakistan recently after the departure of Emilian Ion, who served for long in the country and also remained the dean of the European group of envoys for some years.

The registrar of Preston University, Dr A.W. Baloch and his wife Dr Sualeha Sohag also attended the event. “We both received our chemistry degrees from Romania. It was during the Soviet time, but we have fond memories from our youthful years with very friendly people,” they said.

“I have written textbooks based on my research and still keep in contact with one of my Romania supervisors,” said Dr Baloch, adding there was potential for broadening of cooperation in education, science and trade between Pakistan and Romania.

Christmas Carol singing event held

The Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) auditorium was bedecked with flowers, wreaths and balloons for the third Christmas Carol singing event 2016.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ some 2,000 years ago, the event marked the advent of Christmas and reinforced the message of Christ which was to live lives in peace and harmony.

Reverend Emmaneul Laurein led the audience in a prayer of gratitude and peace. Ashraf Mal gave the welcome address on behalf of Islamabad Christian Fellowship, a voluntary group which focuses on interfaith harmony.

Kamran Gill shared a presentation on the vibrancy and resilience of the Christian community of Pakistan. He highlighted the contributions of Christians in Pakistan, especially those made during the struggle for the creation of the country.

Quoting Quaid-i-Azam’s famous words on minority rights and the freedom of religious practice that would be guaranteed to all citizens of the new state, Gill spoke on the services of the community to Pakistan during the political struggle, and in the fields of education, sports, music, activism, human rights and the armed forces.

The Islamabad Christian Fellowship then presented the story of Nativity to the audience in carols.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2016