The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore had the distinct honor of hosting Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Wada Mitsuhiro, on the occasion of the Oath Taking Ceremony for the new MAAP Lahore Executive Committee. The esteemed Ambassador was warmly welcomed by Vice-Chancellor UET Lahore Prof. Dr. Nasir Hayat.

The newly elected MAAP Lahore Executive Committee members took their oaths of office in a formal ceremony. The committee is led by Prof. Dr. Khalid Farooq as the Regional Chair, with Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Awais Rashid serving as the Vice Regional Chair, Dr. Ali Murtaza Rasool was sworn in as the Regional Secretary Coordination, Dr. Ali Ahmed as the Regional Treasurer, and Dr. Muhammad Irfan as the Regional Secretary Information. Following the oath-taking, an in-depth discussion was held addressing various academic and research-related issues pertinent to Pakistani universities.

The Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nasir Hayat highlighted the importance of enhancing the number of scholarships offered by Japan to Pakistani students, underlining the need for greater educational exchange between the two countries. Prof. Dr. Khalid Farooq while addressing at the occasion emphasized the need of establishing an advanced engineering research center at UET Lahore, in collaboration with leading Japanese universities. This initiative aims fostering the cutting-edge research and innovation, leveraging the expertise and resources of both nations. He also proposed the idea of developing a Pak-Japan Friendship Garden at UET Lahore. This garden will symbolize the enduring friendship and growing cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan.

To mark the beginning of this significant project, Japanese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Wada Mitsuhiro planted a tree, serving as the first step towards the development of the Friendship Garden on a piece of land designated by UET authority for this purpose. The visit of Ambassador Mitsuhiro and the subsequent discussions signify a promising step towards strengthening cultural, academic and research collaborations between Pakistan and Japan, aiming for lasting friendship and fostering higher education between the two nations.