Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to adopt advanced Japanese technology for sewage and waste treatment across the province. The announcement came during her visit to Yokohama’s largest wastewater treatment plant in Japan, where she inspected cutting-edge waste disposal systems. Pakistan currently treats only a small portion of its sewage, leading to urban flooding, water contamination, and outbreaks of diseases like cholera and dengue.
The Yokohama plant, which processes 1.5 million litres of wastewater daily, uses automated systems to separate and recycle waste while generating energy for local heating. CM Maryam praised the facility as an ideal model for Punjab, emphasizing that similar technology could transform the province’s waste management. She also reviewed urban development strategies, including road and building construction standards, during a briefing at Yokohama’s Town Hall.
A key outcome of the visit was an agreement on city-to-city cooperation between Yokohama and Punjab, covering waste management, infrastructure, and environmental governance. Punjab has already taken significant steps, such as banning single-use plastics, deploying dust suppression systems at construction sites, and establishing Pakistan’s first Environmental Protection Force.
While challenges remain, the move signals Punjab’s commitment to sustainable urban development. If successfully implemented, Japanese waste treatment methods could drastically improve public health, reduce pollution, and set a benchmark for other provinces. CM Maryam’s push for modernization highlights Punjab’s ambition to become a leader in eco-friendly governance.
