Hosted by OPF Japan Advisor Asad Nawaz Khan, with Deputy Chief of Mission Hassnain Haider as the chief guest, the ceremony featured a flag-raising led by Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood, filling the air with slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
Japan (Bureau Report) – A grand national event was held under the auspices of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Japan at the residence of OPF Japan Advisor Asad Nawaz Khan to celebrate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, attended by over 350 Pakistanis residing in various regions of Japan. Prominent figures from the Pakistani community’s political, social, religious, business, and other sectors participated actively in the event.
Deputy Chief of Mission Hassnain Haider represented the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo as the chief guest, while Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood, former General Secretary of the Muslim League (N) Overseas, presided over the event. Malik Noor Muhammad Awan, president of the Muslim League (N) Japan, and Ijaz Khan were also among the special guests.
The most significant moment of the ceremony was the flag-raising, where Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood raised the green and white flag, prompting attendees to chant “Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Painda Bad,” echoing throughout Chiba and Tokyo.
The event was moderated by Sikandar Ali Pasiya, a member of the OPF Advisory Council Japan, while speeches were delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Hassnain Haider, Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood, Malik Noor Muhammad Awan, OPF Japan media advisor Alhaj Fawad Ahmed Mushtaq, Advisory Council member Syed Saleem Shah, Chairman of Ahl-e-Bait Foundation Japan, and other leaders.
Host Asad Nawaz Khan stated that Pakistanis living abroad are a valuable asset to the country, playing a crucial role in the national economy and serving as informal ambassadors of Pakistan, promoting a positive image of their homeland. He emphasized, “Love Pakistan and build Pakistan, Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Army Painda Bad.”
On the occasion of Independence Day, a cake celebrating the 79th anniversary was cut, and special prayers were offered for Pakistan’s security, development, prosperity, and stability.
A tribute was paid to the late Rashid Khan, known as ‘Mama,’ who was a founder of the Pakistani festival in Japan. Speakers noted that the late Rashid Khan played a significant role in highlighting Pakistani culture and traditions in Japan.
Mehboob Ramadan Siddique, Shakir Nawab, and their team were also commended for maintaining the tradition of the Pakistani festival for nearly nine years following Rashid Khan’s passing. The festival showcases various cultural aspects, including Pakistani culture, traditional foods, Pakistani mangoes, Sufi poetry, Qawwali, regional attire, and wedding traditions.
In recognition of their efforts to promote Pakistani culture and a positive image of Pakistan in Japan, Ramadan Siddique, Shakir Nawab, and their team were awarded shields and honors by OPF Japan.
On this occasion, Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood, Hassnain Haider, Malik Noor Muhammad Awan, and host Asad Nawaz Khan were presented with bouquets by Alhaj Fawad Ahmed Mushtaq, Sachu Abdul Hamid, Mehr Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, and other associates.
Participants expressed their deep love for Pakistan on Independence Day, renewing their commitment to national unity and the security and development of their homeland, pledging to continue highlighting Pakistan’s positive image abroad and contributing to the country’s progress.