Japan ambassador proposes ‘a world without nuclear arms’
Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi has proposed a “world without nuclear weapons” expressing his wish to build momentum towards nuclear disarmament and take steps forward to realizing it in Pakistan too.
He was delivering the welcome speech at a reception marking the 71st anniversary of Japan Self-Defence Forces Day.
Since the year 2025 also marks 80th anniversary of the end of the World War II, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized the importance to promote disarmament and non-proliferation and to consistently work towards realizing a as Japan being the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in 1945.
Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif was the Chief Guest at the reception while Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Defence Production, Raza Hayat Hiraj, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das Kohistani, Minister of State for Culture & National Heritage Huzaifa Rehman, PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq and Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik were among the noted guests on the occasion. It was a well-attended affair as one could see a large number of parliamentarians, representatives of the armed forces of Pakistan, members of civil society, business community, academia and of course diplomats greeting the Japanese couple on the auspicious occasion.
While extending congratulations on behalf of the people, Prime Minister and the government of Pakistan to the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Akamatsu Shuichi his spouse, Mrs Yumiko Akamatsu, Defence Attache Col Abe Kazuo, Mrs Abe Kazuo and the Japanese nationals, Khawaja Muhammad Asif paid glowing tributes to the Japanese people, especially the way they bounced back after the World War II. It is a miraculous journey, excellency that your nation undertook after the nuclear holocaust in 1945, he said. within two decades or so, Japan was again a leading nation of the world and today we see their mark in every field, he said. Khawaja Asif also mentioned the Japanese people’s fairness, resilience, code of conduct and their resolve to accomplish great tasks.
Earlier in his welcome address Ambassador Akamatsu expressing his deep condolences for the loss of lives and devastation caused by the summer floods in Pakistan, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to support Pakistan’s disaster prevention and recovery efforts, highlighting Japan’s experience with frequent natural disasters.
Ambassador Akamatsu also recalled several JSDF cooperation, including airlift assistance during Pakistan’s 2010 floods and joint efforts with the Pakistan Army in aid after the Turkiye earthquake. He noted the active defense collaborations this year, such as the Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Murasame’s participation in the multinational exercise AMAN25 naval exercise.
Also, in May this year, a group of officers from the National Security and War Course at the Pakistan’s National Defense University visited Japan, said the ambassador adding military-to-military consultations are scheduled to be held in December to enhance such defense cooperation and exchanges.
Ambassador Akamatsu expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s successful participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, particularly applauding the Pakistan pavilion’s vibrant exhibit themed, “A Universe in a Grain of Salt,” which attracted more than 1.5 million visitors.
