Japan highlights development projects in Karachi

KARACHI: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi organised a press tour reccently to showcase Japan’s development assistance projects in Pakistan. Journalists visited two initiatives funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and JICA’s Technical Cooperation programs, aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in the city.

At the Disabled Welfare Association near Mazar-e-Quaid, reporters observed how Japanese funding has provided vocational training equipment and transport vehicles for women with disabilities since 2003. Consul General Hattori Masaru attended a handover ceremony of the new facilities. The tour then proceeded to the Women Skill Development Center in Maripur, where JICA’s Light-F project trains female home-based workers from low-income backgrounds to improve their livelihoods.

Since 1989, Japan has supported over 400 grassroots development projects across Pakistan through its GGP program. Thursday’s media tour aimed to increase awareness of Japan’s contributions to education, healthcare and human security initiatives in the country. Journalists gained firsthand insight into how these projects are creating opportunities for marginalised communities in Karachi.

The event underscored Japan’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan in promoting inclusive economic growth and social development at the grassroots level. Officials emphasized how such initiatives align with Pakistan’s sustainable development goals while addressing critical needs in underserved communities.