PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 11-20

Islamabad: 22nd June, 2011

            To promote creativity among talented young students of Pakistan, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network organized the Art Workshop and Speech Competition about Japan on Wednesday, 22nd June, 2011 at Shah Karim Hostel, Konodas, Gilgit.  The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan has been holding this event in various cities in Pakistan for more than a decade and organized it in Gilgit for the first time. Different schools in Gilgit and its adjoining areas participated in the event.

Students between the ages of 12 to 14 first attended the art workshop conducted by Mr. Waheed Murad, a local artist, and later drew pictures of still life Japanese objects in the Art Competition. Ms. Neelofar and Mrs. Samina Aamir Ali, along with a representative of the Embassy of Japan made up the panel of judges for the Art Competition.

Similarly, one student from each school of the same age competed in the Speech Competition in Urdu with a topic of their own choice related to Japan and Pakistan. The panel of judges for the speech competition comprised of Mr. Shamsul Haq, Mrs. Lal Begum and a representative from the Embassy of Japan.

This competition provided an opportunity for young and talented students to express themselves freely on the growing cordial relations between Japan and Pakistan. In the future, these students may help to hold bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The chief guest Mr. Raja Muhammad Nasir, Director Academy, Directorate of Education, Gilgit and Ms. Kuniko Nakamura, First Secretary, Head of Public Affairs Section, Embassy of Japan, awarded certificates and souvenirs to the position holders of the competition. All students were given certificates for their participation. (End)