Islamabad, In a significant boost to Pakistan’s development sector, the Government of Japan has pledged grant assistance totaling USD 300,800 to five local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the implementation of various development projects across the country. A significant portion of the aid, announced at a signing ceremony at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, will focus on rehabilitating areas ravaged by the catastrophic floods of 2022.
According to Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, the grants were formalized in agreements between Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, the Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and representatives from the benefiting NGOs. The recipients include the Association for Behavior and Knowledge Transformation (ABKT), Fortified Services for Reforms and Transformation (FSRT), Actions For Human Advancement (AHAT), Lok Sudhar Association, and Safe Hands Foundation.
ABKT is set to use its USD 63,518 grant to rebuild three flood-damaged suspension bridges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Dir District, enhancing safety for school children and community members against future natural disasters. FSRT’s USD 60,506 grant will support the reconstruction of a girls’ primary school in the Swat District, aiming to raise the area’s literacy rate. AHAT will focus its USD 57,684 grant on restoring a primary and middle school in Punjab’s Rajanpur District, severely affected by the 2022 floods.
The Lok Sudhar Association will establish an ophthalmology operation theater in Havelian, Abbottabad District, with its USD 51,407 grant, expanding eye care services to include cataract surgery, a first for the locality. Lastly, the Safe Hands Foundation’s USD 67,685 grant will fund the construction of a solar-powered primary school building in Khyber District, offering formal education settings to around 200 children, some of whom currently study outdoors.
Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro expressed optimism that these projects, in collaboration with local communities, would significantly improve living standards at the grassroots level in Pakistan. The Government of Japan also committed to continuing its support for the Pakistani people through timely and flexible grant assistance to local NGOs.