Public Diplomacy: Embassy organizes First Pakistan ALFS Spring Cultural Event-2016

 


  

In continuation of Mission’s Public Diplomacy efforts the Embassy organized first ever Pakistan ALFS Spring Cultural Event -2016 to promote the soft/ positive image of Pakistan and bring civilizations together through arts culture and music. The theme of the Event was that the creative arts are the measure and reflection of our civilizations. They offered the audience an opportunity to see the partner country in a larger perspective. The moral values treasured are reflected in the beauty and truth that is emotionally transmitted through the mean of arts. As a creative medium, the arts find mutual grounds to stimulate cognitive development, encourage innovative thinking and creativity, engender understanding of the importance of cultural diversity and reinforce behavior patterns underlying social tolerance.


   

In his welcome address the Ambassador Farukh Amil highlighted the efforts, success and achievements of women in Pakistan in all fields of life complementing the drive of nation towards making Pakistan a modern democratic and knowledge driven country in the new era of the globalized world. The Ambassador added that without active participation of women at all levels in society the dream of equality, development, creativity and peace could not be achieved in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam. The Ambassador shared his hope that this event would illustrate amongst many things, the messages of peace, love and tolerance and would provide an opportunity to the people of Japan to appreciate the beauty of the art, culture and music of Pakistan. Whilst commending the efforts and hard work of ALFS in rendering public welfare in the Asia and Pacific countries, he reiterated that Pakistan Embassy would continue to work closely with ALFS for such noble causes.


   

Ms Haruko Komura, President ALFS expressed her sincere gratitude to the Embassy for the event being organized for the members of ALFS to understand the historical and cultural linkage between the two countries with which both the nations were connected from ancient times i.e the Ghandhara and Nara civilizations. She said it was the most exciting, impressive and informative cultural event. She liked the wonderful scenery and the beautiful animals, especially the Snow Leopard and it all inspired her to visit Pakistan. She expressed her hope to have continuous support from the Embassy for the activities of ALFS.


   

Mr. Masanoori Yamamoto Mayor of Kibi Chuo City, Okayama Prefecture and the Directors of Alam Japan also graced the occasion with their participation to share the first ever initiative “Sister Cities” project between Kibi Chuo Cho Okayama Prefecture Japan and its counterpart rice growing city in Pakistan to promote exchanges of businesses, agriculture technology, culture and education. Ms Naoko Tahara, CEO of Alam Japan shared that the Kibi Chuo Cho Okayama Prefecture Japan was being promoted as Japan’s first “Muslim Friendly Tourism Destination” and explained the collaboration being done with the Embassy of Pakistan to achieve this goal.

   

Another highlight of the event was the participation of Ms Ellie Takagaki, CEO of Paper Miracles who presented the success story of women empowerment in Pakistan, where her efforts helped the victims of 2005 earthquake to stand on their feet and earn their livelihood in a respectable and dignified manner. She said that the positive and brave stories of women who survived the devastating earthquake were extremely inspirational and source of hope and courage for millions of women across the world. The products of Paper Miracles were also showcased in the event.


   

 A documentary of Pakistan was also shown to highlight arts, culture, music, sports, rituals, tourist attractions, rural and urban life style and the message of love from the people of Pakistan. The serving of traditional cuisine at the end was highly appreciated by the participants who stood in queues to taste the Pakistani food at the reception.


   


   

 

Embassy of Pakistan – Tokyo

28 April, 2016

PR # 29/2016