Sindh governor urges youth to learn from Japan’s development model
KARACHI: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has urged Pakistani youth to learn from Japan’s experience in discipline, hard work, technological advancement, research and industrial development, stressing the need to equip the younger generation with modern skills, particularly in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
He was speaking as the chief guest at Japan Festival 2026, organised by the Consulate General of Japan at a local hotel. Japanese Consul General Hattori Masaru welcomed the Governor in traditional Japanese attire.
Addressing the gathering, Hashmi conveyed greetings and a message of friendship to the people of Japan on behalf of the Sindh government and the people of Pakistan.
He congratulated the Consul General and his team on organising the festival, describing it as a valuable opportunity to promote cultural understanding between the two countries.
He said Japan had established a distinctive position in the world through hard work, determination, honesty and perseverance, adding that its remarkable development journey offered important lessons for Pakistan, particularly its younger generation.
The Governor said Pakistan-Japan relations were rooted in mutual respect, trust and friendship, supported by decades of diplomatic, trade, educational and cultural cooperation.
He stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of collaboration.
Highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges, he said culture reflected a nation’s identity, history and traditions. Events such as Japan Festival enabled people of both countries to experience each other’s civilisation, arts and lifestyles, fostering mutual understanding, goodwill and harmony.
Describing Karachi as the country’s economic and commercial hub, Hashmi said significant opportunities existed for cooperation between Sindh and Japan in trade, industry, investment, education, technology and skills development.
He invited Japanese investors to explore investment opportunities in the province and called for greater industrial collaboration.
Speaking to the media later, the Governor said Japan’s traditions of discipline, cleanliness, honesty, hard work, hospitality and tolerance offered valuable lessons for Pakistan.
He emphasised that the country should benefit from Japanese expertise and technology to accelerate its development and prepare young people to meet evolving global requirements.
He also said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal Asim Muneer were playing their respective roles in promoting regional peace and stability.
Welcoming the participation of schoolchildren in the festival, Hashmi said such events helped introduce younger generations to different cultures and broaden their understanding of the world.
He also disclosed that a Japanese-style Miyawaki forest had been established at Governor House Sindh, where 5,000 saplings had been planted. The plantation would contribute to environmental improvement and help increase green cover in the city, he said.
The Governor thanked the Japanese government, people and Consulate General in Karachi for organising the festival, expressing hope that the event would further strengthen friendship, cultural ties and cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.
Japanese Consul General Hattori Masaru thanked the Governor and other distinguished guests for attending the event.
He said the festival had provided people from both countries an opportunity to experience and appreciate each other’s cultures, further strengthening their friendly relations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026