Islamabad: Japan has announced a financial aid package of ¥4.334 billion (approximately USD 28.58 million) for flood recovery and management projects in Pakistan. This assistance will support various initiatives, including improvements in maternal and child health care and flood management in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.
According to the details, the Japanese government will provide ¥1.503 billion (around USD 9.91 million) for the “Restoration of Maternal and Child Health Equipment” project in the flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, ¥2.831 billion (about USD 18.67 million) will be allocated for the “Improvement of Flood Management in the Indus Basin” project. This aid is being granted under the “Grant-in-Aid” scheme.
The agreement was signed on December 17, 2024, between Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires, Takano Shoichi, and Pakistan’s Secretary of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz. At the same event, the grant agreements for both projects were also signed by JICA’s Chief Representative in Pakistan, Naoki Miyata, and Mohammad Yahya Akhundzada, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Health Sector Aid: Under the maternal health project, basic medical equipment will be installed in 21 health centers across the Hazara Division to improve maternal and child health services, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The goal is to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates. The expected outcomes include an increase in institutional deliveries, cesarean sections, and ultrasound screenings by 2029, which will contribute to lower maternal mortality and improved health outcomes. This project will enhance healthcare quality, increase public trust, and ensure equal access to quality health services.
Natural Disaster Management Project: This initiative will establish a network of 45 hydrological and hydraulic observation stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab and work on restoring river infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The goal is to improve data collection on future river management and strengthen river structures to mitigate sudden floods in the Indus River and its tributaries.
Statements from Japanese Officials: Takano Shoichi, Japan’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires, said, “With these two projects, Japan is close to fulfilling the $77 million pledge made at the Geneva Conference in January 2023. I hope for the successful completion of these projects and their positive impact on social welfare.”
Naoki Miyata, JICA’s Chief Representative, expressed confidence that the health project would enhance medical facilities, reduce maternal and child deaths, and ensure better access to quality healthcare. He also noted that the flood management project is expected to reduce future human and economic losses.
Japan and JICA will continue their collaboration in Pakistan to improve health services and reduce disaster risks, supporting Pakistan’s government in its “Build Back Better” strategy.
