**Japan Extends Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarships in Pakistan**
The Government of Japan has announced a grant of approximately 379 million Japanese Yen to support the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program for the 2025 fiscal year in Pakistan. The initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s public sector by providing advanced educational opportunities for government officials in key policy and development areas.
A formal signing ceremony took place in Islamabad, where Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, and Pakistan’s Secretary for Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz, exchanged notes to formalize the agreement. The implementation framework was further cemented through a Grant Agreement signed by Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Pakistan, and Mr. Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Launched in 2018, the JDS Program is part of Japan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the administrative capabilities of Pakistani government officers. The scholarship offers selected civil servants the opportunity to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at renowned Japanese universities. Candidates are chosen from those actively involved in designing and executing Pakistan’s social and economic development policies.
To date, JICA has facilitated the enrollment of over 100 Pakistani government officers in Japanese universities through the JDS Program. Nearly 70 of these scholars have completed their studies and returned to Pakistan, where they contribute their specialized knowledge and expertise to various government sectors. The program’s academic focus ranges from public administration and finance, industrial promotion and investment climate, energy policy and climate change, to agribusiness and food security.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu underscored Japan’s recognition of the importance of social and human capital development in Pakistan. He stressed the significance of empowering young civil servants with technical skills to foster a responsive and accountable public administration capable of meeting Pakistan’s complex development needs.
Mr. Naoaki Miyata noted that the JDS Program plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s human resource development by equipping fellows with advanced expertise in policy planning and implementation. He expressed confidence that these scholars would become leaders within the government and drive national progress. Miyata further highlighted that the ongoing JDS initiative reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and Pakistan.
The latest grant reaffirms Japan’s commitment to support Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and to nurture future leaders who can address the nation’s evolving challenges.
