Japan has extended grant aid worth ¥350 million (around $2.2 million) for the 2026 Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program in Pakistan, providing Pakistani government officials with opportunities to pursue higher education in Japan.
The scholarship program aims to strengthen the capacity of Pakistani government institutions by enabling public officials to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at leading Japanese universities.
A formal signing ceremony was held in Islamabad, where Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi and Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai exchanged Notes Verbale.
A Grant Agreement for the implementation of the JDS program for fiscal year 2026 was also signed by JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Shinozaki Yusuke and Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro.
The JDS program was launched in Pakistan in 2018 as part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen the administrative and institutional capacity of the Government of Pakistan.
Government officials involved in planning and implementing policies related to Pakistan’s social and economic development are selected for the program. Selected officials receive opportunities to study at leading Japanese universities and develop skills relevant to public-sector policymaking and administration.
According to the information shared at the ceremony, JICA has so far sent more than 100 Pakistani government officials to Japan under the initiative. More than 80 scholars have completed their studies and returned to Pakistan, where they are contributing to national development through their knowledge and skills.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi said that investing in people was among the most sustainable investments a country could make.
He noted that supporting young civil servants in pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at leading Japanese universities goes beyond funding academic qualifications and helps develop future leaders.
The ambassador further said returning scholars bring new knowledge, perspectives, and a deeper understanding of Japan, its people, culture, and values. He added that these exchanges can help strengthen relations between Pakistan and Japan.
The extension of the 2026 JDS scholarship program is expected to provide further opportunities for Pakistani government officials to acquire advanced education and professional expertise while strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries.
