Tokyo (May 16, 2013) – Ambassador Farukh Amil (فاروق عامل) visited Hosei University - one of the largest universities of Japan. He delivered a lecture on, “Pakistan – Japan relations and Pakistan’s relations with neighboring countries”. Over hundred of students belonging to Department of International Relations of the University attended the lecture. He briefed the students about the socio-cultural and politico-historical aspects of Pakistan.
The Ambassador while dilating upon Government’s desire to build honourable relations with all neighbours, rejected any attempt to portray the Kashmir issue as a territorial dispute. He stressed that Pakistan had a principled position on the issue which was of basic human rights that should be resolved through International Law and in consonance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. He also outlined the sacrifices made by Pakistan in recent years and the continuing perseverance of the Pakistan Government and people to move forward.
In the three hour interactive session, the Ambassador whilst answering the questions of the students said that in recent general elections in Pakistan, democracy had been the winner. For the first time in Pakistan’s history one democratically elected government was handing over power to the next democratically elected government. Moreover the turnout at 60% was unprecedented, reflecting the people of Pakistan’s yearning for democracy. In particular the youth and women participation in the polls had been excellent and heralded another positive development of the forward looking people of Pakistan.
The students of the University took keen interest in the lecture and wished they would visit Pakistan because of its rich historical and cultural background and beautiful landscapes. Their deep interest was reflected in the numerous questions on various issues.