Japan will provide Pakistan with a $16.4 million grant for flood protection in Sindh. The project will focus on strengthening the Old Abad Bund in Larkana.
The agreement aims to improve flood defenses along the right bank of the Indus River. It will also support communities living in areas vulnerable to flooding.
Pakistan and Japan signed the agreement on Monday. It covers the “Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on Indus River in Sindh Province.”
The project is expected to improve the condition of key flood protection infrastructure. It will also help increase the resilience of communities facing flood risks.
Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai, secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, signed the agreement for Pakistan. Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi signed on behalf of Japan.
The two officials exchanged the Exchange of Notes and Record of Discussion for the project. A separate grant agreement was also signed during the ceremony.
Sabina Qureshi, additional secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, signed the grant agreement for Pakistan. Sugawara Takayuki, senior representative of JICA in Pakistan, signed for the Japanese agency.
Under the agreement, Japan will provide JPY 2.58 billion in grant assistance. The amount is equal to around $16.4 million.
The funding will support improvement work on the Old Abad Bund in Larkana. The bund is situated along the right bank of the Indus River.
Flooding remains a major challenge for several areas of Sindh. Stronger embankments can help reduce risks during periods of high river levels.
The project is therefore expected to strengthen protection for nearby communities. It will also support efforts to improve flood management infrastructure in the province.
Kidwai thanked the Japanese government and people for their continued development assistance. He also appreciated their support for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
He highlighted Japan’s longstanding role as a development partner. He also recognized JICA’s technical expertise and continued engagement with Pakistan.
Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to stronger bilateral cooperation. He said Japan would continue supporting efforts to deepen relations with Pakistan.
JICA representative Sugawara also welcomed progress toward the project’s implementation. He praised the efforts of the federal and Sindh governments.
Sugawara reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to improving flood protection in vulnerable areas. The project reflects continued cooperation between Pakistan and Japan on development needs.
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The grant is expected to contribute to safer communities around the Indus River. It also highlights Japan’s continued support for infrastructure development in Pakistan.
