Islamabad: The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant assistance up to USD 194,493 (equivalent to around PKR 54 million) in total to three local NGOs for development projects in Pakistan.

According to Embassy of Japan In Pakistan, the grant contracts were signed between His Excellency, Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and representatives of the three NGOs at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad. The three NGOs that will implement the projects are Friends Welfare Association, Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan, and Al Mezan Islamic Model Secondary School.

Friends Welfare Association will receive a USD 59,764 grant (equivalent to around PKR 16.64 million) to build a new water scheme in one of the most underdeveloped areas of Mansehra District. The project will benefit 6,000 people or approximately 895 households by providing clean drinking water through the construction of water tanks and the establishment of water supply lines. This initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on women and children who currently fetch water.

Al Mezan Islamic Model Secondary School will receive a USD 64,528 grant (equivalent to around PKR 17.87 million) to construct a road with supporting bridges over a large water channel, providing a safe route for school children. This project will benefit 2,540 people or about 300 households by offering safe access to the main city, markets, and hospitals.

Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan will receive a USD 70,201 grant (equivalent to around PKR 19.5 million) to implement a clean drinking water project in Faisalabad’s industrial area. Seven water filtration plants will be installed in Faisalabad and Okara to provide filtered water to approximately 2,870 people, protecting them from waterborne diseases.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro expressed his expectation that these development projects, in cooperation with local communities, would positively impact uplifting the living standards of Pakistani people at the grassroots level. The Government of Japan will continue to provide flexible and timely support to local NGOs through grant assistance to improve the social wellbeing of the people of Pakistan.