ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 (WNP): The Government of Japan has extended a grant of approximately 379 million Japanese Yen to support the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program FY 2025 in Pakistan, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s governance and human capital.
At a formal signing ceremony held here, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi, and Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz, signed and exchanged the Notes Verbale. In parallel, a Grant Agreement detailing the implementation framework was signed between Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Pakistan, Naoaki Miyata, and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro.
Launched in 2018, the JDS Program is designed to nurture highly capable Pakistani government officials by offering them opportunities to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at top Japanese universities. These officers are selected from those engaged in shaping and executing Pakistan’s socio-economic development policies.
So far, the JDS initiative has sent over 100 Pakistani civil servants to Japan, with around 70 scholars already returning after successfully completing their studies. These graduates are now contributing their advanced expertise to public service reform and development across various sectors in Pakistan.
The JDS Program covers key disciplines such as public policy and finance, industrial promotion, energy and climate policy, agribusiness, and food security—areas crucial for Pakistan’s sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Akamatsu underscored Japan’s focus on supporting Pakistan’s administrative reform through human resource development.
“We understand that responsive and accountable public administration is vital to addressing Pakistan’s complex development challenges. Investing in the education of young and talented civil servants is a powerful step toward that goal,” he remarked.
JICA’s Chief Representative Naoaki Miyata echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the transformational potential of the program.
“The JDS Program is not just about education—it’s about leadership. These scholars will return with the knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s progress. This scholarship reflects the enduring friendship and strategic cooperation between our two countries.”
The new grant will help Pakistan continue cultivating a skilled cadre of policymakers who can help steer the country’s development priorities with greater efficiency and innovation—further strengthening the Japan-Pakistan bilateral partnership.
