More than 200 Pakistanis attend celebration at Asad Nawaz Khan’s residence; Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood leads flag-hoisting ceremony, while Hasnain Haider and Malik Noor Awan join prominent community figures.

TOKYO: Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations continued across Japan with enthusiasm, patriotism and national unity as members of the Pakistani community gathered to celebrate their homeland thousands of miles away.

One of the largest gatherings was held at the residence of Asad Nawaz Khan, Advisor in Japan to Syed Qamar Raza Shah, Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF). More than 200 Pakistanis attended the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere of national pride.

The gathering brought together prominent political, social, business and community figures, along with families, young people and children dressed in Pakistan’s green and white colours.

Hasnain Haider, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo, attended as guest of honour, while Malik Noor Awan, President of PML-N Japan, participated as a special guest.

The highlight of the celebration was the national flag-hoisting ceremony. Sheikh Qaiser Mahmood, former General Secretary of PML-N Overseas, had the honour of hoisting Pakistan’s national flag. As the green and white flag rose, participants enthusiastically chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” and stood respectfully for the national anthem.

The ceremony reflected the deep emotional connection overseas Pakistanis maintain with their homeland. Children and young participants were particularly enthusiastic, highlighting the importance of such events in keeping younger generations connected with Pakistan’s identity, culture, traditions and history.

Addressing the gathering, host Asad Nawaz Khan said overseas Pakistanis were among Pakistan’s most valuable assets and continued to contribute significantly to the country’s economic and social development. He noted that Pakistanis abroad also serve as unofficial ambassadors of their country.

He appreciated the efforts of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation under the leadership of OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza Shah for supporting the Pakistani diaspora. He stressed that the concerns of overseas Pakistanis should be addressed on a priority basis and that their professional expertise, international experience and resources should be utilised more effectively for Pakistan’s progress.

Khan observed that Pakistanis living in Japan possess valuable expertise in business, technology, management and other professional fields. Stronger links between overseas communities and Pakistan, he said, could contribute significantly to the country’s future development.

Community representatives expressed prayers and best wishes for Pakistan’s peace, stability, prosperity and continued progress. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a positive image of Pakistan in Japan and strengthening people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The celebration demonstrated both the diversity and unity of the Pakistani community in Japan. Participants from different professional, political and social backgrounds came together under one national flag to celebrate their shared identity.

The event concluded in a festive atmosphere, with patriotic slogans and expressions of love for Pakistan. The sight of Pakistan’s flag flying proudly on Japanese soil once again demonstrated that geographical distance cannot weaken the bond between Pakistanis and their homeland.

For the Pakistani community in Japan, Independence Day remains more than a national celebration – it is a powerful expression of identity, heritage, unity and enduring love for Pakistan.