Pakistan and Japan Sign Grant Agreement for Flood-affected Areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Islamabad:Pakistan and Japan have officially signed a grant project agreement, under which Japan will provide **9.91 million dollars** in aid. This funding will be used to improve maternal and child health services in flood-affected areas of **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad. **Dr. Kazim Niaz**, Secretary of Economic Affairs, represented Pakistan, while **Mr. Takano Shoichi**, the Acting Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, signed on behalf of Japan. Also present at the signing ceremony were **Mr. Naoaki Miata**, Chief Representative of **JICA** Pakistan, and **Joint Secretary Mohammad Yahya Akhundzada**.

### **Key Objectives of the Project**

The funds will be provided through the **Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)**. Under the agreement, the grant will support a **maternal and child health project** in **Hazara Division**, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where **21 health centers** will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The project aims to enhance **maternity and child healthcare** and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

The goal of the project is to increase the number of institutional deliveries, cesarean sections, and ultrasound examinations by 2029, contributing to a reduction in **maternal and child mortality rates**.

### **Flood Management and Infrastructure Rehabilitation**

In addition to health-related improvements, the project also includes a **flood management initiative**. The grant will fund the installation of **45 hydrological and hydraulic networks** in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and **Punjab**, along with the restoration of **river protection structures** in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The primary aim of the flood management component is to mitigate flood damage and improve the availability of essential data for better disaster management. The project also embraces the **“Build Back Better”** concept, strengthening flood protection measures to reduce future risks.

### **Japan’s Commitment to Pakistan**

At the signing ceremony, **Mr. Takano Shoichi**, Japan’s Acting Ambassador to Pakistan, emphasized that these projects are part of Japan’s broader commitment to supporting Pakistan, particularly in the wake of recent natural disasters. He noted that these initiatives mark the near completion of Japan’s promise made at the **Geneva Conference**, where Japan pledged **77 million dollars** in aid.

He expressed hope that the projects would significantly benefit the people of Pakistan, improving health outcomes and infrastructure resilience in flood-prone areas.

### **JICA’s Role in Reducing Maternal Mortality**

**Mr. Naoaki Miata**, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan, underscored the importance of the **maternal and child health project** in reducing maternal mortality and improving access to quality healthcare services. He added that JICA’s continued support aims to contribute to the well-being of mothers and children in Pakistan, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

The signing of this agreement reinforces the growing partnership between Pakistan and Japan in addressing critical development challenges, especially in areas affected by natural disasters like floods. The collaboration aims not only to enhance health services but also to build resilience against future calamities.