Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s trip to Japan has attracted some criticism during this difficult time for Pakistan and Punjab. While floods are doing a lot of damage and displacing many people in Punjab, some believe she has made a disastrous decision to go abroad at this time. Critics also view Maryam Nawaz’s Japan visit as an attempt to combine immediate disaster relief with long-term resilience strategies. They also contend that in times of crisis, the Chief Minister’s absence amidst Punjab’s most severe flooding in decades conveys a negative message.
The criticism comes at a time when Punjab is battling one of its worst floods in decades, with rivers swelling to record levels. The Maryam Nawaz-led government has acted promptly. Even as she was travelling in Japan, she remained closely aware of the flood situation. She remained in touch with provincial officials and checked reports on relief operations while on her flights and meetings. The Punjab government had already taken a flood response plan into effect. They were particularly geared for Indian water, which caused the Ravi River to peak in 38 years. While in Japan, Maryam Nawaz monitored Punjab’s emergency response, which included relocating over 150,000 people, deploying boats and medical teams, and inspecting flood damage in Shahdara before her departure. She also toured flooded areas, such as Shahdara on the Ravi River, checked flood barriers and safety measures, and directed the use of all available resources to assist flood victims. She also made sure emergency hospitals were ready in the districts impacted by the floods.
At the same time, her meetings with Japanese officials go beyond regular diplomacy. Japan is renowned globally for its experience in disaster resistance and city infrastructure. Yokohama’s underground flood tunnels — engineered to divert millions of gallons of water — are the kind of infrastructure Punjab hopes to replicate. Topics of discussion during her visit included Japan’s sophisticated sewage systems and waste treatment and flood control systems. Japan’s advanced waste-to-energy initiatives and prudent city planning can make public health and the environment in Punjab better.
The tour also points to the significance of economic ties between Pakistan and Japan. Enhancing trade and investment can make Pakistan stronger in the long term. Punjab’s recent initiatives, like sanitation drives that produced employment opportunities and the use of electric buses, indicate the government’s interest in sustainable growth. emphasises Punjab’s determination to make progress. These initiatives serve humanity now and create a brighter future for them.
Others criticise the idea that Maryam Nawaz must be on the field during the floods. Whether her Japan visit will be remembered as an absence in crisis or foresight in governance depends on what Punjab delivers in the months after the floods. Leadership today means being able to make swift decisions, assign resources, secure strategic alliances, and plan for the future. Crisis managing from a distance and securing global assistance reveals she can adapt and act proactively. It proves that effective leadership can arise from action on the ground and strategic global collaboration.