Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz is on her Landmark Visit to Japan

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s five-day official visit to Japan — the first by a woman CM of the province — began on August 16, 2025. She was invited by the Japanese government to attend the World Expo in Osaka and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Key Highlights of the Visit

• Urban Development in Yokohama

  • Visited Japan’s second-largest city for briefings on urban planning, environmental sustainability, and waste management.
  • Studied advanced wastewater treatment and energy-from-waste facilities.
  • Announced plans to model Lahore’s RUDA project on Yokohama’s development framework.

• Meetings with Japanese Businesses

  • Held talks with JETRO Chairman Norihiko Ishiguro.
  • Invited Japanese investors to Punjab’s Special Economic Zones with offers of free land and tax-free incentives.
  • Pitched investment in IT parks under the upcoming Nawaz Sharif IT City.

• Automotive & EV Collaboration with Honda

  • Met Honda’s Executive VP Noriya Kaihara.
  • Agreed on collaboration in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and skill development.
  • Announced Punjab’s plan for 1,500 electric buses, EV depots, and charging stations.
  • Proposed a modern vehicle testing lab with Honda’s support.

• Healthcare Partnerships

  • Visited Japan’s National Center for Global Health on August 19.
  • Announced plans to upgrade Punjab’s health sector on Japanese lines, including advanced medical equipment and an insurance system inspired by Japan.
  • Declared the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Medical District.

• Political Reception

  • Received warm welcomes from Japanese officials and the Pakistani community in Tokyo.
  • Faced a small protest from overseas Pakistanis outside one meeting.

Summary

Maryam Nawaz’s visit aims to attract Japanese investment, technology transfer, and healthcare innovation to Punjab. The trip underscores her government’s focus on urban renewal, clean energy transport, and modern healthcare systems as drivers of provincial progress.

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