Abdullah Jan
Islamabad: Japan thus week expressed its interest in expanding development cooperation with Hyderabad, focusing on clean water, environmental protection, renewable energy and sustainable urban development, as Acting Consul General of Japan in Karachi Tamura Takahiro held talks with Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro during a visit to the city.
The Japanese delegation, which also included Fatima Hussain, Cultural and Public Affairs Assistant at the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi, paid a courtesy call on the mayor at the Mayor’s Secretariat, where they were welcomed with traditional Sindhi hospitality. Mayor Shoro presented the visiting diplomats with bouquets as well as the iconic Sindhi ajrak and topi, symbolising the cultural heritage of the province.
Senior local government officials, including Deputy Commissioner Zainul Aabideen Memon, Municipal Commissioner Zahoor Ahmed Lakhan, town chairmen and elected representatives, also attended the meeting.
During the discussions, Mayor Shoro outlined Hyderabad’s historical significance, cultural heritage and local government framework while briefing the Japanese delegation on the city’s ongoing urban development initiatives.
He said the municipal administration has prioritised addressing long-standing civic challenges, particularly the provision of clean drinking water, improved drainage infrastructure and the rehabilitation of roads. According to the mayor, considerable progress has been achieved over the past year through projects aimed at expanding water supply networks, upgrading sewerage systems and improving road infrastructure to enhance public services for residents.
Acting Consul General Tamura Takahiro highlighted Japan’s longstanding development cooperation in Sindh, particularly in the health and energy sectors, and reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives across the province.
He noted that Japan is keen to broaden its partnership with local authorities and welcomed Hyderabad’s ongoing efforts to modernise its urban infrastructure. The Japanese diplomat also identified clean water management, environmental sustainability and solar energy as promising areas for future collaboration.
The meeting reflected the growing emphasis on city-level international partnerships, with both sides exploring opportunities to exchange expertise and strengthen cooperation beyond traditional development assistance.
Officials discussed expanding collaboration in areas including local government administration, education, cultural exchanges, environmental management, knowledge sharing and sustainable urban planning, recognising these sectors as important for improving the quality of life in rapidly growing urban centres.
The talks concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship between Japan and Pakistan through closer engagement at the municipal level.
Mayor Shoro thanked the Japanese delegation for its continued interest in Hyderabad’s development and expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation with Japan would contribute to the city’s efforts to build more resilient, environmentally sustainable and citizen-focused urban infrastructure.
The visit underscored Japan’s continuing role as one of Pakistan’s key development partners, with growing attention being given to sustainable cities, renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure as both countries seek to deepen cooperation at the local level.