Dr. Ghazala Irfan, Chairperson of the Forman Philosophy Department, and the President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) in Lahore, was recently honored by the Government of Japan with the prestigious “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” award. This recognition celebrated her significant contributions to bolstering friendship, cultural ties, and mutual understanding between Japan and Pakistan. The ceremony, held in Lahore on September 23, garnered attention from Governor Punjab Balighur Rehman, who praised Dr. Ghazala Irfan for her outstanding work and thanked both the Prime Minister and the Japanese Ambassador for acknowledging her remarkable achievements.
The Order of the Rising Sun, bestowed by the Emperor of Japan, is a distinguished accolade presented to individuals, both domestic and foreign, who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and substantial contributions. Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro, representing the Government of Japan, presented Dr. Ghazala Irfan with this decoration in recognition of her decade-long commitment to promoting Japan-Pakistan cultural relations. Her role as President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association Lahore has seen her fervently support and organize various Japanese cultural events in Lahore, a dedication highly valued by the Government of Japan.
The Japanese Ambassador emphasized the significance of people-to-people interactions as the foundation of bilateral relations and commended Dr. Ghazala for facilitating these interactions in Lahore. He also acknowledged the enduring friendship and goodwill between Japan and Pakistan and expressed his best wishes for her continued efforts in promoting cultural relations between the two nations. Dr. Ghazala, in receiving the award, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad for this special recognition of her dedication to the provincial capital.
