Pakistani premier expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation with Japan under new government
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her historic election victory, reaffirming Pakistan’s desire to deepen bilateral ties with Tokyo.
In a message posted on social media, Shehbaz Sharif extended his best wishes to Prime Minister Takaichi, noting that her decisive win reflected the confidence of the Japanese people in her leadership. He said Pakistan looked forward to working closely with Japan under her leadership to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and regional stability.
Congratulations to H.E. Ms. Sanae Takaichi @takaichi_sanae on her re-election as the Prime Minister of Japan.
We look forward to continue working with Prime Minister Takaichi to further strengthen and diversify our excellent bilateral relations with Japan.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 9, 2026
Prime Minister Takaichi’s coalition swept to a landmark victory in Japan’s lower house elections on Sunday, securing a two-thirds supermajority that significantly eases her legislative agenda. Her Liberal Democratic Party won 316 of the 465 seats, its best-ever result, while the ruling coalition secured a total of 352 seats.
Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has pledged sweeping economic and security reforms, including tax relief measures and increased defence spending aimed at countering regional security challenges. Speaking to local media after the results, she said the election represented a clear endorsement of major policy shifts in economic management and national security.
Read: Pakistan, Japan vow to enhance ties
World leaders have moved quickly to congratulate Takaichi, with US President Donald Trump calling the outcome a major success and praising her decision to seek a fresh mandate through early elections.
Observers say the strong mandate could accelerate Tokyo’s policy agenda but has also raised concerns in financial markets over the funding of proposed tax cuts, while her emphasis on defence and security has drawn criticism from China.
