ISLAMABAD, May 12: The Embassy of Japan donated 168 English-language books to Allama Iqbal Open University under the “Read Japan Project,” while a new Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC) was also inaugurated in Islamabad to promote academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The books were donated through the Nippon Foundation’s global initiative launched to improve international understanding of Japan through literature and educational exchange.

Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi formally handed over the collection to AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood during a ceremony held on Tuesday.

The donated collection includes books covering Japan’s history, politics, economy, international relations, literature, philosophy, language, culture, and security studies.

JPAC launched to promote education and employment cooperation

On the same occasion, the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC) was inaugurated with the aim of promoting Japanese language education, cultural exchange, academic collaboration, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.

Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain also attended the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu said books help strengthen understanding between nations and described JPAC as an important initiative for enhancing Pakistan-Japan cooperation in education and professional development.

Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood thanked the Embassy of Japan and the Nippon Foundation for the donation, saying the books would help students learn more about Japan and support stronger academic ties between the two countries.

The federal minister also appreciated the initiative and expressed hope that JPAC would contribute to deeper cooperation and friendship between Pakistan and Japan.