Japan thanks Pakistan over return of nationals

Islamabad:Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for arranging the safe return of Japanese nationals through a special PIA flight to Tokyo.

A special PIA flight from Karachi via Islamabad landed at the Narita International Airport, Tokyo, on Monday (April 13) with 110 Japanese nationals and 25 foreign nationals (24 Pakistanis) on board who were stranded in Pakistan due to the suspension of flights over the coronavirus pandemic.

The ambassador said he appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the government of Pakistan, Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan International Airlines for arranging and operating the special flight to Japan enabling the smooth and safe return of Japanese nationals and Pakistani residents in Japan back to their homes.

“I thank all individuals and departments involved for their brave efforts to arrange safe return of the Japanese nationals and Pakistani people back to Japan, in spite of challenging and life-threatening circumstances caused by the lethal pandemic,” he said. The ambassador renewed his resolve to continue working hand in hand with the government and people of Pakistan to defeat the coronavirus pandemic. Also, the ambassador expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Pakistan Army plane crash near Gujrat during an operational training mission.