Islamabad: The Government of Japan has committed to providing grant assistance amounting to approximately 2.831 billion Japanese Yen, which is equivalent to around 18.5 million USD or approximately 5.119 billion PKR, aimed at enhancing flood management in the Indus Basin.

According to Embassy of Japan In Pakistan, the signing ceremony for this significant assistance took place on November 13, 2024, at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad. The event was attended by H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan, Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, along with other dignitaries from both Japan and Pakistan.

The initiative comes in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods that struck Pakistan in 2022, marking the most severe in the nation’s history. In response, Japan has been actively involved in supporting Pakistan’s recovery and reconstruction initiatives. This grant is earmarked for the construction of three embankments along the Indus River in Haripur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the installation of water and rain meters at 45 sites along the river in KP and Punjab.

The embankments are expected to safeguard local communities from human and economic losses due to flooding. Additionally, the data collected from the water and rain meters will be managed by the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and shared with various agencies to enhance flood prediction and management capabilities. This project aligns with the “Build Back Better” concept, a significant focus of the Government of Pakistan.

During the signing ceremony, H.E. Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro expressed his hopes, stating, “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.”