Pakistanis build mosque illegally in Japan, get envoy to inaugurate it

For Pakistan's diaspora in Japan, a mosque built illegally in Kawagoe city has become a matter of predicament. The mosque, inaugurated in April in the presence of Pakistan's Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, is now facing the possibility of demolition after local authorities determined that it had been constructed without the permissions required under Japanese law.

Kawagoe City Hall, the municipal government administrative centre of the city, has made its position clear regarding the illegally built mosque. "The building (mosque) was constructed in an urban development control area where construction is generally prohibited unless specific permissions are secured under the City Planning Act," an official statement by the City Hall said.

"The building in question was constructed without the city's permission," the statement added. It further said that the City Hall authorities spent considerable time guiding those involved toward corrective action.

Authorities have also received requests from relevant parties to demolish the mosque, and the proposal has been accepted for review, according to the City Hall statement.

After it was found out that the mosque was built illegally, the Pakistani embassy in Tokyo found itself in an unusual position. It clarified that it had no connection with projects that violate Japanese laws. In two carefully worded statements, the Pakistan embassy urged members of the Pakistani community to fully comply with Japanese regulations, particularly when constructing places of worship.

"The Embassy of Pakistan earnestly requests and emphasises to the Pakistani community residing in Japan that they fully comply with Japanese laws in all matters, particularly with regard to the construction of places of worship. No construction project may be initiated without obtaining the necessary permits from local governments," the Pakistan Embassy posted on X on June 1.

Notably, the embassy stated that Ambassador Abdul Hameed attended the mosque's inauguration on April 3 after being informed that all necessary approvals required under Japanese law had been obtained.

In a separate statement on May 31, the Pakistani mission in Japan said that no construction project should begin without securing the required permits from local authorities.

"The Embassy of Pakistan has no connection to any such projects, especially those that do not comply with the laws of local governments. This includes the event held in Kawagoe on April 3, 2026, for which the Ambassador of Pakistan accepted the invitation on the basis of information that all required permits in accordance with Japanese law had been obtained," the Pakistani Embassy said.

"Information regarding the legal aspects of all such projects should be communicated to all members of the community and to the residents of that area as well. The Embassy of Pakistan urgently requests all relevant members of the community to fully cooperate with Japanese authorities and to comply with Japanese laws in all circumstances, particularly in connection with projects of this nature," the embassy added.

Meanwhile, Kawagoe authorities have indicated that they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies before deciding on further action. The city has also acknowledged that because the structure was built without official permission, it cannot confirm whether adequate explanations were provided to nearby residents before construction began.

This detail has added another layer to the mosque controversy. In Japan, community consultation is often regarded as an important part of development projects, particularly when new structures could affect local neighbourhoods.

A mosque inaugurated by Pakistan's envoy is now facing possible demolition after authorities flagged approval violations.

As of now, city officials are deliberating the mosque's future. The structure remains standing, but whether it stays or is demolished will depend on the city council's decision.

- Ends