The Embassy in collaboration with the Japanese NPO Japan Media Vision organized an Event under theme of “Connecting Pakistan Japan through Peace and Harmony in Faith Art and Culture” to promote peace and harmony. The Event was attended by prominent Parliamentarians including Mr. Antonio Inoki and Mr. Makoto Oniki, people from different faiths(Imam Muhammad Rasit, Chief Buddhist Priest Yoshida Nikko, Shinto Priest Haruki Shinya and Catholic Priest Mukengeshayi Matata) leading Interfaith Scholars, Heads of Mission, diplomats, notable members of Civil Society, the Media and students of international School of Sacred Heart and Aoyama Gakuin.
Honourable First Lady Akie Abe and respectable Mr. Fushimi Hiroaki graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor respectively.
The Event commenced with National Anthems of Pakistan and Japan followed by spiritual music of famous singer Abida Parveen, traditional Japanese music, songs by Mrs. Erika Colon de Ishikawa and Ms. Mughal Yurina. Later, representatives of different faiths and interfaith scholars read the messages of peace. The Chief Guests presented letters of appreciation to Inter-faith Scholars.
Ms. Akie Abe expressed her deep pleasure and appreciation for the commendable efforts of the Embassy and stated that it was essential to nurture and promote message of unity, interfaith and peace.
Mr. Fushimi Hiroaki highlighted deep-rooted relationship between the peoples of the two countries and especially underlined Pakistan’s position on treating Japan with dignity and respect at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951. He expressed hope that the Ceremony would be the new step to cultivate a deep mutual understanding and contribute to the World Peace.
Ambassador Farukh Amil highlighted Quaid-e Azam’s vision of moderate, democratic, pluralist and tolerant Pakistan that is inclusive of all religions, ethnicities especially minorities. He said the present wise and democratic leadership was committed to the vision of Quaid- e-Azam and taking concerted measures to promote interfaith harmony and dialogue.
