MULTAN: Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, Yusuke Shinozaki, visited the project site of the Weather Surveillance Radar (WSR) in Multan to review progress on the facility and preparations for installation of the radar system.
Shinozaki was accompanied by JICA Representative Naohiro Ojima and Suzune Noda from JICA Headquarters during the visit.
The JICA delegation reviewed the progress of civil works, site readiness and the proposed schedule for installation of the radar equipment. Officials briefed the delegation on the work completed so far and preparations being made to receive and install the radar system once the equipment arrives in Pakistan.
Dr Agha Babar, Deputy Director of the Planning & Development Cell of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), along with Meteorologist Shahid Mehmood and Electronic Engineer Aamir from FFD Lahore, and Electronic Engineer Rashid Ali and other PMD Multan officials, were present to facilitate the visit and coordinate technical and site-related arrangements.
The civil works for the radar tower building are nearing completion, with the facility being prepared for the installation of the weather surveillance equipment.
The JICA Chief Representative appreciated the progress made by Tobishima Corporation in executing the civil works and acknowledged the efforts being made to maintain the project schedule.
The Multan WSR project is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan’s weather monitoring and forecasting infrastructure. Once operational, the radar will become an important addition to PMD’s existing weather surveillance network, improving monitoring of weather systems and supporting more timely forecasting and early warning services across southern Punjab and adjoining areas.
The project is particularly significant amid increasing weather-related risks, as enhanced radar coverage can help authorities monitor severe weather systems, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, and strengthen preparedness and disaster response.