The Government of Japan has announced a grant of $113,335 (approximately PKR 32 million) under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program to support two Pakistani NGOs working on local development initiatives.
According to a press release issued by the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad, the grant agreements were signed between Ambassador of Japan, Okamatsu Shuichi, and representatives of the two NGOs during a ceremony held at the embassy.
Under the agreement, the NGO ACTED will receive a grant of $61,200 to rehabilitate a solar-powered water supply system in Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project includes the construction of a distribution water tank and the extension of water pipelines to ensure a sustainable and safe supply of clean drinking water. The initiative will directly benefit 1,470 residents of Asha Khel village.
The second NGO, KEO, will receive a grant of $52,135 (around PKR 14.8 million) for the construction of a primary school in Muskeenabad, Rawalpindi District. The school will provide free education to 300 students annually, with a focus on increasing enrollment of out-of-school children from surrounding areas.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Okamatsu Shuichi expressed hope that these grassroots projects, with the support of local communities, will improve the quality of life of people at the local level in Pakistan.
He emphasized that education forms the foundation of a prosperous nation, and that young children represent Pakistan’s bright future.
The ambassador reaffirmed that basic infrastructure and education have always been key pillars of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) strategy, reflecting Japan’s own development journey.
He added that the Government of Japan will continue extending timely and accessible support to local NGOs in Pakistan to strengthen social welfare and human security for its people.