ISLAMABAD: The Nippon Foundation has donated 168 English-language books to Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad and inaugurated the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC), in a move to enhance understanding of Japanese culture and foster bilateral relations. The book donation is part of the “Read Japan Project” aimed at promoting global understanding of Japan through literature.

According to the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, presented the collection covering topics such as Japan’s history, politics, and culture to Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, the Vice-Chancellor of AIOU, during a ceremony on May 12. The newly inaugurated JPAC aims to promote Japanese language and culture, as well as facilitate academic exchanges and support employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The event was attended by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, H.E. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, who expressed hope that JPAC’s initiatives would strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Japan. Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized the importance of books as tools for knowledge and cultural exchange, while Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood expressed gratitude for the donation and commitment to fostering strong educational ties with Japan.