Japan promises help to improve rural lives

Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan Akamatsu Shuichi on Monday said his country would continue to help improve people’s lives in Pakistan.

Inaugurating two electricity projects, the ambassador said he hoped that the initiatives would strengthen relations between Japanese and Pakistani people. "The impact of these initiatives is that 15 communities have now access to the sustainable electricity. They have brought a real difference to the life of thousands of people. It is not just about installing power lines and electrical grids; it is about empowering communities and improving lives," he said.

The two projects are meant to install electricity facilities in Mandi Bahauddin district with the help of NGO Hana Development Council to uplift the quality of life in rural community. The ambassador said the government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme, had provided financial assistance of $92,307 for the two projects.

He added that the grant of $42,818 was allocated in 2019 for provision of sustainable electricity facility to eight communities, and $49,489 in 2022 to connect seven more communities in Mandi Bahauddin. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Japanese Embassy's officials, NGO’s board members, and community leaders.

Japan has given away grant assistance to the Hana Development Council three times in the past to implement development projects. The organisation has been working for more than 20 years to empower the people in vulnerable areas in Pakistan.