Faisal Zahid Malik lauds Japan’s wide-ranging economic, educational initiatives
Zubair Yaqoob Karachi
The Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Hattori Masaru, emphasized Japan’s commitment to strengthening collaboration on regional security, counter-terrorism, and peace-building in South Asia, highlighting the critical role of education and research partnerships.
During a meeting in Karachi, he warmly received Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, where they explored prospects for academic exchanges, research collaboration, and joint projects between Japanese and Pakistani institutions. As the Consul General in Karachi, Hattori Masaru has been instrumental in fostering cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and strong diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan.
The Japanese consulate recently hosted the Japanese Film Festival 2024, allowing Pakistani audiences to experience Japanese cinema and culture. Additionally, Masaru organized the “Yokai Parade – Supernatural Monsters from Japan” exhibition, furthering cultural understanding between the two nations. In the educational sphere, Masaru backed the MEXT Orientation 2024, which offers Pakistani students’ opportunities to study in Japan, and facilitated Japanese language courses to promote linguistic and cultural exchange.
His commitment to healthcare development was also evident through agreements signed for critical projects, such as providing medical equipment to Jam-e-Shafa Clinic in Quetta and enhancing blood transfusion and intensive care facilities at the Thalassemia Care Centre in Karachi. It is pertinent to mention here that, the Japanese consulate has extended its support to several community projects in flood-affected areas across Pakistan.
Key initiatives include rebuilding suspension bridges in Upper Dir, reconstructing school facilities in Malakand, establishing an ophthalmology theater in Havelian, and improving water and sanitation systems in Sindh. Projects in Karachi have also included deploying Aman Ambulances to improve emergency response. During the meeting, Faisal Zahid Malik praised the Consul General’s dedication to cultural exchange and his wide-ranging efforts in economic and educational initiatives.
They also discussed potential for deeper economic ties, especially in trade, investment, and infrastructure through CPEC, while addressing visa requirements and travel facilitation for Pakistani citizens. Malik highlighted the consulate’s valuable services to Japanese nationals, including passport renewals, notarization, and emergency assistance.
Both dignitaries underscored the importance of bolstering tourism, cultural understanding, and people-to-people connections between Japan and Pakistan, envisioning stronger diplomatic and economic cooperation in the years ahead.
