The Government of Japan has allocated USD 194,493 (approximately PKR 54 million) in grant assistance to three local NGOs in Pakistan to support critical development projects.
The agreements were signed between Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Wada Mitsuhiro and the representatives of the recipient organizations at the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Wada expressed hope that these projects would enhance the living standards of Pakistan’s communities. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting local NGOs in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of addressing grassroots needs to improve social welfare.
The grants will fund three initiatives led by these relief organizations:
- Friends Welfare Association
- Al Mezan Islamic Model School
- Al Khidmat Foundation
Water Supply for Mansehra’s Underserved Communities
The Friends Welfare Association will receive a grant of USD 59,764 (around PKR 16.64 million) to establish a new water scheme in the remote areas of Mansehra District. The project aims to provide clean drinking water to approximately 6,000 people, benefiting around 895 households. By constructing water tanks and laying water supply lines, the project will alleviate the burden on women and children, who often spend hours fetching water from distant sources. The initiative aligns with Japan’s commitment to addressing basic needs in rural areas.
Safe Access to Education in Al Mezan Islamic Model Secondary School
Another grant of USD 64,528 (approximately PKR 17.87 million) will go to Al Mezan Islamic Model Secondary School, located in a rural area near a large water channel. The grant will be used to build a road and support bridges to ensure safer access for students. The infrastructure improvement is expected to benefit 2,540 people from 300 households, providing them with safer travel routes to schools, hospitals, and markets. The project addresses a critical safety issue for local children who have previously faced challenges reaching their schools due to difficult terrain and hazardous water crossings.
Water Filtration for Faisalabad’s Industrial Area
The Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan will receive the largest grant of USD 70,201 (around PKR 19.5 million) to address the urgent need for clean drinking water in the industrial areas of Faisalabad and Okara. The foundation plans to install seven water filtration plants, which will serve approximately 2,870 people. The initiative aims to mitigate the risks associated with waterborne diseases, which are prevalent in many industrial regions due to contaminated water sources. By providing reliable access to clean water, the project will improve the overall health and well-being of local residents.
Japan’s grant assistance forms part of its ongoing efforts to contribute to sustainable development in Asia, focusing on improving the well-being of underserved communities in Pakistan.