Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan and Japan have signed a new cooperation agreement under which Japan will extend a grant of 2.58 billion Japanese yen for a flood protection initiative in Sindh.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said the assistance is equivalent to nearly $16.4 million and will be directed towards upgrading flood defence infrastructure as well as enhancing disaster preparedness among communities at greater risk from natural calamities.
The project seeks to improve protective measures in flood-prone parts of Sindh, particularly locations exposed to recurring floods and other natural hazards.
Alongside infrastructure development, the initiative will help vulnerable communities strengthen their preparedness and improve their ability to deal with emergencies when disasters occur.
One of the major works planned under the programme is the rehabilitation and reinforcement of the Old Abad Dam on the right bank of the Indus River in Larkana.
The grant agreement was signed in Islamabad by Economic Affairs Additional Secretary Sabina Qureshi and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Representative Sugawara Takayuki.
The signing marked the formal approval of Japan’s financial support for the flood mitigation programme and its execution in Sindh. At the same ceremony, Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Hamir Karim and Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi signed the Exchange of Notes and the Record of Discussion.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Hamir Karim called Japan a trusted and longstanding partner in Pakistan’s development journey.
He expressed gratitude for Tokyo’s continued friendship and development assistance, saying Japan’s sustained engagement had played a aluable role in supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic advancement.
Karim also expressed appreciation for the latest grant, noting that the initiative would reinforce flood protection arrangements in Sindh and help shield communities facing increased exposure to natural disasters.
Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, meanwhile, reiterated Tokyo’s desire to further expand its friendly ties and cooperation with Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Japan’s backing for Pakistan’s development priorities and underscored the need for continued collaboration between the two countries.
The latest financial assistance represents another step in Japan’s longstanding development cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in areas related to infrastructure improvement and socio-economic progress.