Pak has centuries old links with Japan through Buddhism

ISLAMABAD (PPI) - Pakistan is a cradle of civilizations and has centuries old links with Japan through Buddhism that have continued to strengthen and flourish over the years.

This was said by Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Noor Muhammad Jadmani on Saturday, while speaking to over a hundred members of NHK culture centers of Aoyama, Kashiwa, Utsunomia and Tochigi prefectures about the rich historical past of Pakistan at Tokyo.

The Ambassador said the land that now comprises present day Pakistan was the centre of Buddhism, from where it spread to South East Asian countries including Japan. He said though Pakistan-Japan diplomatic relations were established in 1952, but culturally the people of the two countries had centuries old strong bonds of friendship and understanding.

He invited the NHK culture centers members to visit Pakistan to see for themselves the historical places and artefacts.

Deputy Chief of Mission Imtiaz Ahmad gave a detailed briefing on the culture of Pakistan, besides Gandhara and Indus valley civilization. He spoke on Pakistani music, traditional dances and wedding ceremonies, besides food and famous cuisines. The audience were shown documentaries also.

Chairman Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Tariq Puri, who is currently visiting Japan, expressed his gratitude to the government of Japan, which made it possible to export Pakistani mangoes to the Japanese market.

The audience were also the first Japanese to taste the Pakistani mangoes. “I am sure Japanese people will enjoy aroma and sweetness of Pakistani mangoes,” he said.

While offering heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami, Tariq Puri said that Japanese nation proved that it can face any hardship and overcome difficulties through strong determination and concerted efforts.

Later, the members of NHK centers were served Pakistani mangoes juices and lasi as well as traditional Pakistani food.