By Irfan Siddiqi – Tokyo, Japan | October 15, 2025
A new chapter in Pakistan–Japan friendship is on the horizon as the Japanese city of Iwaki and Pakistan’s historic city of Wazirabad prepare to formalize their relationship as “Sister Cities.” The initiative aims to strengthen cultural understanding, people-to-people exchange, and mutual cooperation between the two nations.
A Step Toward Cultural and Economic Partnership
According to details shared with Jang, the plan was discussed in a recent meeting between Mr. Hiroyuki Uchida, Mayor of Iwaki City, and Mr. Malik Saleem, a prominent Pakistani-origin entrepreneur who has been residing in Japan for over 25 years. During the meeting, both sides expressed a strong willingness to move forward with official procedures to declare Iwaki and Wazirabad as Sister Cities in the near future.
Mayor Uchida highly appreciated Mr. Saleem’s longstanding contributions to the development of Iwaki City and his dedicated efforts to promote goodwill between Japan and Pakistan. He acknowledged that such initiatives not only enhance friendship but also create new avenues for collaboration in fields such as education, tourism, culture, and trade.
The Vision of a Pakistani Expatriate
Speaking to Jang, Mr. Malik Saleem shared his deep personal connection to the project. “I was born in Wazirabad, a city known for its craftsmanship, cutlery industry, and historical heritage,” he said. “For more than two decades, I have lived and worked in Iwaki, and it has always been my dream to see these two cities—each rich in its own traditions and industries—come together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.”
He further stated that such a partnership would be a source of pride for both Pakistanis and Japanese. “The Sister City relationship will open the doors for cultural exchange programs, student visits, tourism promotion, and business collaborations that will benefit communities in both countries,” he added.
Iwaki – The Industrial and Coastal Heart of Fukushima
Iwaki City, located in Japan’s Fukushima Prefecture, is one of the region’s key industrial and coastal hubs. Known for its scenic beauty, resilience, and technological innovation, Iwaki has played a vital role in Japan’s post-disaster recovery and regional economic development. It is also a model of sustainable urban planning, blending modern infrastructure with traditional Japanese culture.
The city administration of Iwaki has previously engaged in global friendship and cooperation programs, fostering relationships with several cities around the world. The proposed partnership with Wazirabad would mark its first formal linkage with a Pakistani city—reflecting a growing recognition of Pakistan’s cultural and economic potential in Japan.
Wazirabad – The Pride of Pakistani Craftsmanship
On the other hand, Wazirabad, situated in Pakistan’s Punjab province, is world-renowned for its high-quality cutlery, handmade products, and skilled craftsmanship. The city’s heritage of metalwork and industry dates back centuries, and its artisans continue to export fine cutlery and tools worldwide.
Wazirabad also holds historical significance as a cultural and industrial center that embodies the ingenuity and resilience of the Pakistani people. By partnering with Iwaki, the city hopes to attract new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
A Symbol of Deepening Pakistan–Japan Relations
The Sister City agreement between Iwaki and Wazirabad would be a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Japan and Pakistan. It comes at a time when both countries are exploring new dimensions of cooperation in trade, technology, education, and cultural exchange.
Observers believe that this initiative could also encourage other Japanese and Pakistani municipalities to establish similar partnerships, thereby enhancing subnational diplomacy and direct people-to-people engagement.
Looking Ahead
Once formalized, the Sister City accord is expected to pave the way for exchange programs involving schools, universities, and business communities. Joint exhibitions showcasing traditional crafts, tourism fairs, and cultural festivals could be held in both cities, providing citizens an opportunity to learn about each other’s history and traditions.
Mayor Uchida and Mr. Saleem are reportedly working with relevant local authorities and diplomatic channels to complete the necessary documentation. The signing ceremony is expected to take place later this year, symbolizing a bridge of friendship between the people of Iwaki and Wazirabad.
As the world grows increasingly interconnected, such grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening mutual understanding across borders. The forthcoming Iwaki–Wazirabad partnership stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of friendship, cultural respect, and collaboration between Japan and Pakistan—a partnership built not merely on agreements, but on shared dreams and human connection.
