SUKKUR: A Japanese diplomat, Saiga Shintaro, on Monday visited Sukkur to meet Grand Democratic Alliance leader Mohammad Bachal Mahar to offer his condolences over the recent murder of senior journalist Jan Mohammad Mahar.

Mr Mahar welcomed him to his residence in Akhuwant Nagar in the Society area of the city. The two sides also exchanged views on different matters.

Mr Mahar thanked the Japanese government for helping Pakistan in difficult times such as the super-flood, earthquake, coronavirus and recent heavy rains that had wrought havoc in Sindh.

Discussing the political situation in the country, Mr Mahar said that Sindh, and other parts of Pakistan, were blessed with rich resources which should have been utilised in the right direction and in a proper way. However, he added, the Pakistan Peoples Party that ruled over Sindh for a long period of time, created mafias of feudal lords, police officials, bureaucrats, traders, lawyers and journalists.

“If fair and transparent elections are held, the PPP could by wiped out,” Mr Mahar said.

Mr Saiga told him that his country had a strong democracy as the Japanese people believed in democracy. “Although we have kings, yet kings have no role in democratic government,” he added.

The diplomat said: “Japan wishes to strengthen democracy in Pakistan, too”.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2023