Japan has extended grant aid worth ¥350 million, or around $2.2 million, for the 2026 Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program in Pakistan.
The program is aimed at strengthening the capacity of Pakistani government institutions by providing public officials with opportunities to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at leading Japanese universities.
A formal signing ceremony was held in Islamabad, where Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi and Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai exchanged Notes Verbale.
A Grant Agreement covering the implementation of the JDS programme for fiscal year 2026 was also signed by JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Shinozaki Yusuke and Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro.
The JDS program was launched in Pakistan in 2018 as part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen the administrative and institutional capacity of the Government of Pakistan.
Government officers involved in planning and implementing policies related to Pakistan’s social and economic development are selected for the program.
JICA has so far sent more than 100 Pakistani government officials to Japan under the initiative. More than 80 scholars have completed their studies and returned to Pakistan, where they are contributing to the country’s development with their newly acquired knowledge and skills.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu said investing in people was one of the most sustainable investments a country could make.
“When we support a young civil servant to pursue a Master’s or doctoral degree at a leading Japanese university, we are not simply funding an academic qualification. We are helping to shape a future leader,” he said.
He added that returning scholars bring new knowledge, perspectives, and a deeper understanding of Japan, its people, culture, and values, helping strengthen ties between the two countries.
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