Mr. Jamal Shah, President of the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Islamabad, together with the Executive Committee, has confirmed the election of Zafar Mahmood as President of the Monbukagakusho Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP). MAAP represents more than 300 Pakistani scholars, scientists, doctors, engineers and professionals who completed advanced degrees in Japan under Government of Japan scholarships.
Zafar Mahmood graduated in Electrical Engineering from UET Lahore in 1974 and earned his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Nagoya University in 1981. He leads InterSES as CEO and brings over 50 years of academic, industrial and professional experience, including two decades of work in Japan. He has previously served MAAP as President and Advisor and remains deeply involved in promoting Japanese language and culture across Pakistan.
Among his notable initiatives, JLCT Pakistan was established in 2018 through collaboration with JLCT Japan to introduce the Japanese Language Capability Test in Pakistan. Since then more than 4,000 Pakistani students have taken and qualified the test, creating pathways for study and work in Japan and reinforcing people to people ties between the two countries. The focus on language testing and certification has become an important gateway for Pakistani students seeking opportunities in Japan.
Zafar Mahmood has been recognised for his services to Japan–Pakistan friendship, receiving the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2018 and the Imperial Decoration, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in 2020. He is JLPT N1 certified and serves as visiting faculty at NUML University, while his wife has been a full-time Japanese language instructor at NUML since 2004.
The election of Zafar Mahmood as MAAP President is expected to strengthen collaboration between Pakistani alumni of Japanese universities, expand support for students pursuing studies in Japan and enhance cultural and academic exchanges that benefit Pakistan’s scientific and professional communities.
