Pakistan builds 'illegal' mosque in Japan, faces removal: Here's what Pakistan Embassy said

A mosque named 'Japan Jaame Masjid Ramzan' was built on privately owned land in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, without permits, prompting Japan’s city government to demand its removal. The Embassy of Pakistan denied involvement, urging Pakistani residents in Japan to comply with local laws after reports of the unauthorized construction." "article": "Japan’s Kawagoe city government has ordered the demolition of a mosque constructed without proper permits in Saitama Prefecture. The mosque, named 'Japan Jaame Masjid Ramzan,' was built on privately owned land in a rural area near vegetable farms and residential homes, despite falling within an urbanization control zone requiring prior approval. The landowner, a company linked to Pakistan, reportedly ignored repeated warnings from city officials to halt construction. Workers claimed language barriers delayed compliance, requiring multiple site visits to enforce regulations. The company’s president, a Pakistani national, was unavailable for comment, but his father confirmed the structure predated their land purchase and stated demolition plans were under discussion with the city. The mosque’s grand opening ceremony on April 3 was attended by Pakistan’s ambassador to Japan. The Embassy of Pakistan later issued a statement on X, emphasizing that Pakistani residents must adhere to Japanese laws, particularly regarding construction permits. The embassy explicitly denied any connection to the unauthorized project, stressing compliance with local regulations. Kawagoe city officials reiterated that the case is being handled under standard procedures, with no exceptions granted due to the building’s religious purpose. The landowner’s financial burden for demolition remains unresolved, as discussions with the city continue. The incident highlights tensions between cultural practices and strict Japanese urban planning laws.