Pakistan, Japan sign grant agreement worth over $2m for JDS scholarships

August 11, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Japan have signed a landmark Grant Agreement worth JPY 350 million (US$2.2 million) to bolster the Human Resource Development Scholarship Program (JDS) 2026, marking the 9th installment of the initiative since its inception in 2018.

The agreement was formalized at a ceremonial exchange of notes and signing ceremony convened at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said a press release issued.

Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, signed the Record of Discussions & Exchange of Notes, while Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro, Senior Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Yusuke Shinozaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan, signed the Grant Agreement.

The ceremony was also attended by senior officials from the Embassy of Japan, JICA and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Under this year's grant, extended by Japan through JICA, sixteen scholarships for Master's programs and one for a PhD/Doctorate program will be provided at prestigious Japanese universities for young Federal Civil Service and Ex-Cadre officers of Pakistan.

Since 2018, eight batches, each comprising around 17-18 participants, have benefited from the JDS scholarships, an initiative that has significantly enhanced the capacity and performance of young officers playing a crucial role in Pakistan's socio-economic development.

Japan also frequently invites Pakistani government officials to participate in short-term training courses in the country.

Muhammad Humair Karim expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their unwavering support, affirming all necessary facilitation for furthering meaningful cooperation between the two nations.

Akamatsu Shuichi and Yusuke Shinozaki, in turn, reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Government of Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

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