Japan grants $16m for flood protection on Indus River in Sindh

Pakistan and Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes, a Record of Discussion and a Grant Agreement for a flood protection project on the Indus River in Sindh, according to Mettis Global. The grant of JPY 2.58bn, roughly $16.4mn, will fund improvements to the Old Abad Bund near Larkana, along the river's right bank. The project seeks to strengthen flood defences and raise the resilience of vulnerable communities across the province.

Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi exchanged the notes and the record of discussion. Sabina Qureshi, Additional Secretary, and Sugawara Takayuki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan, signed the grant agreement. The Secretary thanked Japan for its continued friendship and development assistance and praised JICA's technical expertise.

Ambassador Akamatsu pledged to work closely with Pakistan to deepen bilateral ties, while Sugawara praised the efforts of the Sindh and federal governments. JICA reaffirmed its commitment to flood protection in flood-prone areas of Sindh.