Paul Carter and Kitty Knowles Tokyo: In Japan, a smelly waste product is being reimagined as a potential clean fuel of the future that is powering cars and tractors. We’re being eyed suspiciously by dozens of cows. Their breath fogs cartoonishly from their nostrils. It’s a brisk morning in snowy Hokkaido, an island in the […]
Read MoreIslamabad: Donald Trump’s administration in Washington is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban and Pakistan has been placed in a group that would be considered for a partial suspension of visa issuance if their governments “do not make efforts to address deficiencies within […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan-Japan Parliamentary Group meeting this week focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic and development cooperation between Pakistan and Japan. Chaired by Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, the meeting highlighted the mutual benefits of strong diplomatic ties between the two countries. Senator Bhutto, along with senior officials from the Senate Secretariat, warmly […]
Read MoreLiaquat Ali Islamabad: Pakistan this week highlighted its counterterrorism cooperation with Washington after the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, whom it blames for a 2021 attack on US troops at Kabul airport, in a military operation along the border with Afghanistan. “We will continue to partner closely with the United States in securing regional peace and […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, this week approved a grant of USD 44,025 (approximately Rs12.2 million) to support a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in improving educational infrastructure in Tarnol, Islamabad. A grant contract was signed on Thursday between Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, […]
Read MoreNewswire Washington: US President Donald Trump unveiled plans this week to sell new “gold card” residency permits for a price of $5 million each — and said Russian oligarchs may be eligible. Trump said sales of the new visa, a high-price version of the traditional green card, would bring in job creators and could be […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi this week hosted a reception to mark the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at a local hotel. Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, attended the event as the chief guest, alongside a distinguished gathering of diplomats, government officials, and members of the business […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week reaffirmed his government’s intention to work closely with the Trump administration for stronger bilateral ties with the United States. A news release issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the premier expressed Pakistan’s “strong desire” to work towards the endeavour while recalling the “decades-long history […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: A mesmerizing photo exhibition titled ‘Beautiful Japan – Through the Eyes of an Ambassador’ opened this week at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), offering a stunning visual journey through the many facets of Japanese life. The exhibition, capturing the essence of Japan’s culture, landscapes, people, and technological marvels, is […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi this week expressed the hope that bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US would gain momentum during the tenure of President Donald Trump. The minister held a meeting with US Chargé D’affaires Natalie Baker who called on him where they discussed matters of mutual interest, and ways to […]
Read MoreAkamatsu Shuichi meets Yousaf Raza Gilani Celina Ali Islamabad: Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani this week reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Japan and expanding cooperation in multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations. During a meeting with Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan, the Chairman Senate emphasized the […]
Read MoreWashington: Donald Trump has said he held talks with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, over a negotiated end of the three year Russia-Ukraine war, indicated that Russian negotiators want to meet with US counterparts. Trump told the New York Post that he had spoken to Putin, remarking that “I better not say” just how many […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House on Monday and discussed matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and Japan enjoyed friendly ties, which was evident by the tremendous goodwill that existed among […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Gentry Beach, a leading international investor from the US, has announced plans for a multi-billion-dollar investment in Pakistan’s luxury real estate sector through his holding company, White Bridge Real Estate. The company is set to develop ultra-luxury properties in Islamabad and Karachi, including high-rise landmarks and exclusive mixed-use developments, while actively exploring […]
Read MoreTokyo: The Imperial Household Agency said that its official Instagram account showcasing the activities of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako has been viewed more than 200 million times and received about 19 million likes in the six months since it was launched in April. The most popular post, which garnered more than 690,000 likes, […]
Read MoreWashington: The Sultani family was nearing the final stages of their case to resettle in the US, though their plan was disrupted after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20 suspending the relocation of refugees to the US. “My family and I couldn’t sleep at night” since the executive order was signed, […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi this week inaugurated a solar-powered irrigation system in Tehsil Shakar Garh, District Narowal. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu commended the NGO for successfully completing the initiative. He expressed hope that the project would enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and contribute positively to the […]
Read MoreWashington: Climate Lab is a Seattle Times initiative that explores the effects of climate change in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The project is funded in part by The Bullitt Foundation, Jim and Birte Falconer, Mike and Becky Hughes, Henry M. Jackson Foundation, University of Washington and Walker Family Foundation, and its fiscal sponsor is […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) this week hosted a guest lecture on “Japan’s Perspective on Regional Issues,” delivered by Prof. Dr. KAWASHIMA Shin, from the University of Tokyo. Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, also participated in the event. Director General ISSI […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Outgoing US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, has expressed pride in the enduring partnership between the United States and Pakistan, as he bid farewell at the conclusion of his three-year tenure. In a farewell video message, Ambassador Blome highlighted the achievements of the US-Pakistan partnership and shared personal reflections on his time […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The United States said this week it will continue investing in the future of Pakistan through initiatives in areas such as education, English language learning, entrepreneurship and exchange programmes. These projects reflect a strong and sustainable partnership between the United States and Pakistan, aimed at fostering mutual growth and development, according to […]
Read MoreTokyo: Japan’s government this week approved a record budget for the next fiscal year, ramping up spending on social welfare, as the population ages, and defence to tackle regional threats. The 115.5 trillion yen ($730 billion) budget for the year from April 2025, greenlighted by the Cabinet, includes 8.7 trillion yen in defence spending. It […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) HumAhang project, implemented by the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), this week successfully concluded a two-day conference on “Human Rights as the Foundation for Sustainable Peace”. The conference brought together policymakers, academics, activists, and civil society leaders to address pressing human rights […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The Government of Japan this week decided to provide grant of 1.503 billion JPY (approx. USD 9.91 million) for the Project for the Recovery of Maternal and Child Health Equipment in Flood-Affected and Surrounding Areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 2.831 billion JPY (approx. USD 18.67 million) for The Project for Flood Management […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Higher Education System Strengthening Activity, this week organized a four-day training workshop on proposal writing and grant management for public sector universities in Pakistan. It was hosted by Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), this event aimed to enhance the effectiveness of Offices […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Japan has donated $3.1 million to eradicate polio in Pakistan and ensure millions of children remain safe from the crippling disease, the Pakistan Polio Programme said this week, as Islamabad desperately looks to grapple with an alarming surge in cases of the infection this year. Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, remains the […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) prepares to restart flights to the United States after an eight-year hiatus. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PIA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses financial matters. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (CAA) Nadir Shafi Dar this week confirmed imminent financial settlements with the FAA. […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: TAKANO Shuichi, Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, and Mrs. TAKANO Asako this week hosted a reception on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day. Defense Attaché, Colonel ABE Kazuo represented the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) at the Embassy. […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: In a landmark event in Islamabad this week, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker unveiled the Pasban Awam Saath Saath Program, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering citizen-focused policing and empowering women in law enforcement across Pakistan. The program, a collaboration between Pakistan’s civilian security agencies, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The Government of Japan this week decided to provide grant assistance up to USD 95,311 (equivalent to PKR 26.5 million) in total to two local NGOs for development projects in Sindh. The grant contracts were signed between the Consul General of Japan, Mr. HATTORI Masaru, and representatives of the two NGOs at […]
Read MoreWashington: US trade officials announced on Nov 29 a new round of tariffs on solar panel imports from four South-east Asian nations after American manufacturers complained that companies there are flooding the market with unfairly cheap goods. It is the second of two preliminary decisions that President Joe Biden’s Commerce Department is making in 2024 […]
Read MoreAbdullah Jan Islamabad: Some 700 youngsters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 375 women, learnt critical market-driven vocational and technical skills through a three-month-long training programme that had been supported by the government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP). The training programme was designed to empower youth from […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad : US Ambassador Donald Blome this week highlighted the upward trend of Pakistani students seeking higher education in the United States and said the rise in student exchanges reflected the growing educational partnership between the two countries. During the annual EducationUSA High Achievers’ and Counsellors’ Recognition Ceremony held here during International Education […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The Government of Japan has agreed to provide new grant assistance worth 2.831 billion Japanese Yen (equivalent to around 18.5 million USD/ around 5.119 billion PKR) for Flood Management Enhancement in the Indus Basin. On 13 November 2024, a signing ceremony for the assistance was held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: On her first day back at school, young Reshma Saleem from Amankot marveled at the sight of her newly rebuilt Government Primary School. The once crumbling structure was now a beacon of hope, boasting freshly painted walls, spacious halls, and solar panels gleaming in the sun. This transformation, funded and supported by […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met with outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Mitsuhira Wada this week to discuss longstanding bilateral cooperation and perspectives on regional and global issues. Mitsuhira Wada who has completed his three-year tour of duty in Pakistan, reflected on a steady growth of bilateral economic […]
Read MoreNewswire Islamabad: In a major step toward advancing reproductive healthcare in Sindh, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sindh inaugurated a state-of-the-art Family Planning Skills Lab at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) this week. The launch ceremony was led by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and USAID Mission […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, WADA Mitsuhiro this week hosted a reception at his Official residence in Islamabad to bid farewell to Pakistani dignitaries and friends. Ambassador WADA will leave Pakistan on 19th November and will take up his new assignment as Ambassador of Japan to Croatia. He assumed his office in […]
Read MoreCelina Ali Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and the University of Utah this week signed a partnership to promote capacity-building initiatives in public sector universities across Pakistan. This initiative, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA), aims to enhance faculty development, strategic […]
Read MoreTokyo: The average monthly pay increase at Japanese businesses this year rose 2,524 yen ($16) from 2023 to a record 11,961 yen, a government survey showed this week, exceeding the 10,000 yen mark for the first time amid rising prices. The figure, representing a 4.1 percent rise from last year, came as management and labor […]
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