In a major step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and governance, Pakistan and Japan have signed a grant agreement worth JPY 379 million (approximately USD 2.63 million) under the 2025 Human Resource Development Scholarship Program (JDS).
At a formal ceremony held at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) on July 15, 2025, the agreement was signed by Dr Kazim Niaz, Secretary of Economic Affairs, and H.E. Mr Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan. The Grant Agreement was jointly signed by Mr Miran Mohiyuddin Somroo, Senior Joint Secretary, and Mr Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan.
This grant marks the eighth installment of the JDS initiative since it began in 2018. The 2025 program will provide 16 fully funded scholarships for Master’s degrees and one for a PhD program at top universities in Japan. The recipients will be young officers from Pakistan’s Federal Civil Service and Ex-Cadre departments.
To date, seven batches of scholars — roughly 18 per year — have benefited from this partnership, significantly contributing to public sector development in Pakistan. The program not only supports higher education but also fosters leadership, policy planning, and stronger ties between the two nations.
Related: Japan Backs Pakistan’s Education Sector with Grant Aid
Dr Kazim Niaz thanked the Japanese government and people for their consistent support, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating deeper cooperation. Ambassador Shuichi and JICA Chief Representative Miyata reiterated Japan’s dedication to nurturing this educational and diplomatic partnership for long-term mutual benefit.