In a significant move aimed at bolstering flood management in Pakistan’s flood-prone regions, the Government of Japan has committed a new grant of 2.831 billion Japanese Yen (approximately $18.5 million or PKR 5.119 billion) to enhance flood resilience in the Indus Basin.
The funding, which is part of Japan’s continued support for Pakistan’s recovery following the devastating 2022 floods, will help safeguard vulnerable communities along the Indus River from future flooding events.
A formal signing ceremony to mark the agreement took place on November 13, 2024, at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad. The event was attended by key officials from both governments, including Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, along with other senior representatives from Japan and Pakistan.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic 2022 floods, which claimed over 1,700 lives and affected millions more, Japan has played a crucial role in assisting Pakistan’s reconstruction and disaster preparedness efforts. The newly allocated grant will support a comprehensive flood management initiative that includes the construction of three embankments along the Indus River in Haripur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as well as the installation of advanced water and rainfall measurement systems at 45 sites across the riverine regions of KP and Punjab.
The embankments will serve as critical infrastructure to protect local communities and their livelihoods from the devastating impacts of future floods. Meanwhile, the installation of water and rain meters will provide real-time data on river conditions, enabling timely and effective flood forecasting. These data will be shared with Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the Federal Flood Commission (FFC), and other relevant agencies to improve flood prediction and response strategies.
The project aligns with the concept of “Build Back Better,” a philosophy strongly endorsed by the Government of Pakistan in its recovery plans. This approach focuses not only on rebuilding but also on improving resilience to future disasters.
During the signing ceremony, Wada Mitsuhiro emphasized Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. “I hope this project will provide reassurance to the people of Pakistan regarding possible future floods. Japan remains committed to providing assistance that will directly benefit vulnerable people in Pakistan,” Mr. Wada stated.
The new grant is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s capacity to manage flood risks, ensuring greater protection for local populations and contributing to long-term flood resilience in one of the most flood-affected regions of Asia.