CM Maryam Nawaz Brings Japanese Waste Treatment Technology to Punjab

Disclaimer: This news article is derived from multiple reliable sources, including Dawn and other media outlets. It is shared for informational purposes only.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the adoption of advanced Japanese waste treatment and sewage management technology to tackle one of the province’s most pressing challenges — poor sanitation and recurring urban flooding.

The announcement came during her five-day visit to Japan, where she inspected some of the world’s most advanced wastewater treatment plants in Yokohama, including facilities in Asahi, Kanagawa, Washimaku, and Yodogawa.

• Waste-to-Energy Plants: Yokohama’s plants recycle garbage and generate electricity and heating from waste.
• Sewage Treatment: The city treats nearly 1.5 million liters of wastewater daily, setting global benchmarks.
• Recycling & Reuse: Waste is separated through automated systems, ensuring maximum recycling and minimal landfill usage.
• Environmental Standards: Despite being a highly industrial city, Yokohama maintains the highest environmental standards in Asia.

Punjab produces millions of tonnes of solid waste annually, yet only a fraction of sewage is properly treated. Inadequate systems have led to:

• Frequent urban flooding in major cities like Lahore
• Outbreaks of cholera, dengue, and polio
• Increasing environmental pollution and poor sanitation

By adopting Japan’s proven model, Punjab aims to:
✅ Reduce flooding and waterlogging in urban centers
✅ Improve public health and prevent waterborne diseases
✅ Generate renewable energy from waste
✅ Upgrade city infrastructure to international standards

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب کا جاپان کے تاریخی اور صنعتی شہر یوکو ہاما کی بندرگاہ کا دورہ
وزیر اعلٰی نے یوکوہاما کی ڈویلپمنٹ کو سراہا اور پورٹ آپریشنز کا مشاہدہ کیا pic.twitter.com/o00hFQMVYh

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) August 18, 2025

During her visit to Yokohama Town Hall, Maryam Nawaz also discussed city-to-city partnerships, focusing on:

• Modern urban development models
• Improving the quality of construction in Punjab
• Exploring the possibility of a high-speed train between Lahore and Islamabad
• Cooperation between Punjab’s Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Japanese city planners

This initiative adds to a series of recent environmental reforms in Punjab, including:

• Launch of Pakistan’s first Environmental Protection Force
• Ban on single-use plastics
• Installation of dust suppression systems at over 1,500 construction sites

CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that adopting Japan’s waste management model is not just about cleaner cities, but about building healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities.

“Punjab will replicate Yokohama’s model of development — an industrial hub that still maintains the highest environmental standards. Our goal is to modernize urban infrastructure while protecting public health and the environment,” she stated.

Punjab’s move to adopt Japanese waste treatment technology marks a historic step forward in environmental governance and public health. If executed effectively, this initiative could turn Punjab into a regional leader in sustainable development, while also improving the daily lives of millions of its residents.