Japanese minister praises Punjab uplift schemes

Japanese Senior State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma has lauded the launch of more than 120 development projects in Punjab.

During a meeting with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, he described her official visit as the first by a Pakistani leader of her stature in three decades.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan and Japan were "time-tested friends" and emphasised the need to expand cooperation in all sectors, particularly trade and investment.

"Japan is a symbol of economic, technological and social progress, and its traditions and values are worthy of emulation," she added.

Miyaji Takuma lauded the launch of more than 120 development projects in Punjab. He also expressed sympathy over the loss of lives caused by recent floods in Pakistan, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

CM Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan wished to learn from Japan's expertise in disaster management, particularly in dealing with earthquakes and floods. "Japan's assistance after the devastating earthquake in Pakistan remains unforgettable. We want to benefit from Japan's construction technology to strengthen our disaster preparedness," she added.

The CM also briefed the Japanese minister on Punjab's investor-friendly policies and incentives, expressing the provincial government's keen interest in adopting Japan's development model.

Miyaji Takuma emphasised Japan's strong desire to broaden and strengthen relations with Pakistan.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also visited Tokyo's state-of-the-art traffic control centre on the third day of her five-day visit to Japan.

She was briefed about the centre's modern systems, including traffic monitoring, data collection, transport planning, and emergency response mechanisms, according to a handout issued here on Wednesday.

Officials informed the CM that Tokyo was the first city in the world to use infrared technology for traffic monitoring and control. They explained how CCTV cameras, roadside sensors, and advanced monitoring systems are used to prevent congestion, speeding, and traffic signal violations. The CM observed systems that provide real-time public alerts on weather conditions and ensure timely ambulance and police response over accidents and emergencies.