On September 23rd in Lahore, the Government of Japan bestowed the prestigious “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” upon Dr. Ghazala Irfan, who serves as the President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Lahore. This honor recognizes her significant contributions to enhancing friendship, cultural connections, and mutual understanding between Japan and Pakistan. The Order of the Rising Sun is a distinction conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan upon individuals, both Japanese and foreign, in appreciation of their long-standing commitment.
During the ceremony, Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro, representing the Government of Japan, presented the decoration to Dr. Ghazala Irfan, acknowledging her decade-long dedication. The event was attended by Dr. Ghazala’s family, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
In her role as President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association Lahore, Dr. Ghazala has fervently and wholeheartedly worked to foster cultural relations between Japan and Pakistan for many years. She has played a pivotal role in introducing the allure of Japanese culture by organizing and supporting various cultural events in Lahore. The Government of Japan highly values her unwavering commitment in this regard.
Ambassador WADA, speaking at the ceremony, congratulated Dr. Ghazala for receiving this esteemed imperial decoration, which acknowledges her devoted efforts in promoting friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan, particularly in the realms of art and culture. He emphasized that people-to-people interaction forms the foundation of bilateral relations, and with Dr. Ghazala’s generous cooperation, this has flourished in Lahore.
The Ambassador further remarked that both countries have enjoyed enduring relations of friendship and goodwill since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He recalled Dr. Ghazala’s enthusiastic participation in their anniversary celebrations, be it the 70th diplomatic anniversary last year or the 65th anniversary in 2017, alongside her Lahori friends. Ambassador WADA extended his best wishes to Dr. Ghazala for her future endeavors and expressed hope that she would continue to promote cultural ties between Japan and Pakistan.
Upon receiving the award, Dr. Ghazala expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad for honoring her dedication with a special conferral ceremony in Lahore.
The Governor of Punjab was also in attendance, acknowledging that the award presented to Dr. Ghazala Irfan is a significant honor for both her and Pakistan. He emphasized the strengthening of cultural ties and friendship between Pakistan and Japan over time, highlighting Japan’s role as a valued friend and economic partner of Pakistan.
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