In a welcome shift from the usual headlines of conflict, a ray of hope emerged as the Government of Japan committed over USD 113,000 (approximately PKR 32 million) in development assistance for grassroots projects in Rawalpindi and Nowshera, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program.

The grant contracts were signed on October 7, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad. The signing was officiated by His Excellency Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, along with representatives of the two implementing NGOs, ACTED and Kaus-e-Kazah Welfare Organization (KKO).

Safe Water for Nowshera

The international NGO ACTED will receive USD 61,200 (PKR 17.3 million) to rehabilitate a solar-powered water supply system in Asha Khel village, District Nowshera, one of the region's most underserved areas. The project includes the construction of a distribution water tank and the extension of water pipelines, aimed at delivering consistent and safe drinking water to 1,470 residents.

The initiative is expected to significantly ease the burden on local women and children, who currently spend hours fetching water. With access to clean water at home, the community will experience direct improvements in health, hygiene, and productivity.

A New School for Maskeenabad

In Maskeenabad, District Rawalpindi, the Kaus-e-Kazah Welfare Organization (KKO) will use its USD 52,135 (PKR 14.8 million) grant to construct a primary school, offering free education to around 300 students annually. The school is expected to provide access to education for out-of-school children from low-income families in the surrounding areas, helping uplift the next generation through learning.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu met with children from Maskeenabad and expressed his belief in the power of education as a cornerstone of national development.

“These young children are the bright future of Pakistan,” he said,“and education lays a strong foundation for a prosperous country.”

Japan's Enduring Support to Pakistan

Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized that basic infrastructure and education have long been central to Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) strategy, reflecting the country's own post-war development journey. He affirmed Japan's commitment to working with local communities and NGOs to improve living standards at the grassroots level.

“The Government of Japan will continue to provide flexible and timely support to uplift the social well-being of the people of Pakistan,” he stated.

Since its inception, the GGP program has supported hundreds of community-level initiatives in Pakistan, focusing on sectors such as education, health, water, and sanitation, particularly in undeserved and disaster-prone regions.

This latest grant brings a timely boost to communities working to overcome poverty through sustainable development and symbolises Japan's enduring friendship with the people of Pakistan.

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