Japan’s ongoing commitment to grassroots development in Pakistan took a meaningful step forward on February 3, 2026, with the signing of grant agreements under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program. The Government of Japan awarded a total of USD 85,429 (approximately PKR 23.9 million) to two dedicated local NGOs, directly targeting critical needs in healthcare and rural infrastructure in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This initiative underscores Japan’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan, emphasizing human security through practical, community-led solutions that improve everyday lives in underserved areas.
Boosting Maternal and Child Health in Rural Chakwal
In District Chakwal, Punjab, the Bin Qutab Foundation—known for operating the Begum Noor Memorial Hospital in a rural setting—received USD 55,230 (about PKR 15.5 million). The funding will enable the construction of a dedicated Maternal and Child Healthcare Center at the hospital.
The new facility will be equipped with essential medical tools and designed to deliver comprehensive services under one roof, including:
- 24-hour safe delivery options
- Emergency obstetric care
- Neonatal support
- Subsidized services for low-income families
Beyond immediate medical aid, the center will actively promote family planning awareness, addressing key challenges in maternal and infant mortality rates common in remote Pakistani communities.
Officials estimate the project will serve over 10,000 patients each year, creating a lasting impact on women’s and children’s health in the region. For an organization already providing secondary-level care—including dialysis and surgical services—this enhancement strengthens its role as a vital healthcare lifeline.
Enhancing Connectivity and Safety in Mansehra’s Remote Village
In District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Saibaan Development Organization secured USD 30,199 (around PKR 8.4 million) for a practical infrastructure upgrade: improving a vital link road in Village Makrriha.
The project involves paving the road surface and building protective walls to prevent erosion and accidents. These improvements will dramatically enhance mobility for local residents, making travel safer and more reliable year-round.
The benefits extend far beyond convenience. Better road access means:
- Quicker reach to hospitals and clinics
- Easier transportation for students to schools
- Improved links to markets for farmers and small businesses
Directly benefiting more than 2,400 people in the village, the upgrade will also support thousands of indirect beneficiaries in surrounding areas, fostering economic activity and overall quality of life in this hilly region.
Japan’s Enduring Focus on Community-Driven Progress
At the signing ceremony held at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, His Excellency Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, highlighted the deeper philosophy behind these grants.
“Japan has collaborated with Pakistan for decades to meet basic human needs in health, education, and infrastructure,” the Ambassador stated. He emphasized that the GGP program delivers face-to-face assistance by partnering directly with capable local NGOs, ensuring responses are tailored to real community priorities rather than top-down plans.
Drawing from Japan’s own post-war development journey, Ambassador Akamatsu noted that reliable basic services and infrastructure serve as the bedrock of sustainable growth and true human security.
As a steadfast friend of Pakistan, Japan reaffirmed its dedication to empowering grassroots organizations nationwide, with the ultimate goal of uplifting daily living standards and wellbeing for people at the community level.
These latest grants exemplify how targeted, modest investments can yield outsized returns in human development—saving lives through better healthcare in Chakwal and opening opportunities through improved connectivity in Mansehra. Such collaborations continue to build stronger, more resilient communities across Pakistan.
