Japan to provide $16.4mn to strengthen flood protection in Pakistan

Japan has committed a grant of $16.4 million to Pakistan for upgrading flood defences in Sindh, according to Business Recorder. The money will go toward reinforcing the Old Abad Bund, an embankment in Larkana beside the Indus. Monday's ceremony between the two governments saw the signing of an Exchange of Notes, a Record of Discussion and a Grant Agreement.

The initiative is formally called the Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on Indus River in Sindh Province, and it targets stronger defences for vulnerable communities. Japan's contribution is recorded as JPY 2.58 billion, roughly $16.4 million. Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi exchanged the paperwork for their two countries.

The Economic Affairs Secretary thanked Japan for its ongoing friendship and development aid, while the envoy pledged closer bilateral cooperation. JICA's senior representative, Sugawara Takayuki, credited the Sindh and federal governments for reaching the signing stage and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to flood-prone parts of the province.