- Representatives of the Government of Japan, JICA, UNDP, and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa exchange signed documents during the launch ceremony of a new public service infrastructure project for KP’s Merged Districts, held in Islamabad
Islamabad – The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), has launched a new initiative titled “The Project for Development of Public Service Infrastructure in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” The project aims to strengthen local governance structures and improve access to essential public services across KP’s Merged Districts.
Implemented under UNDP’s Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP), the partnership was formalized through a signing ceremony held in Islamabad. The initiative comes at a critical juncture, as the Merged Districts continue their transition toward decentralized governance and localized service delivery following their merger with KP in 2018. While progress has been made, newly established local government systems require continued support to strengthen administrative capacities, enhance service delivery, and improve citizen engagement.
The project will focus on building the institutional capacity of the first-ever elected Tehsil Local Governments (TLGs), enabling them to deliver essential public services in a responsive and accountable manner. With a financial contribution of 518 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 3.5 million), the initiative will support 19 TLGs across eight Merged Districts through small-scale, community-driven infrastructure schemes. These interventions are expected to directly benefit around 18,000 people, with indirect benefits reaching an estimated 500,000 community members.
Working closely with local administrations, the project will identify and implement priority schemes based on community needs, while strengthening coordination, accountability, and public participation in local governance processes.
The signing ceremony brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Government of KP, the Embassy of Japan, JICA, and UNDP, underscoring a shared commitment to improving governance and service delivery in a region with historically limited exposure to formal administrative systems.
Addressing the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, emphasized the strategic importance of the Merged Districts, noting that the project will support the restoration of essential community infrastructure, strengthen local service delivery, and promote inclusive and participatory governance as a pathway to sustainable peace and development.
Mr. Nakatsu Masaaki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, highlighted that the initiative builds on JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation with TLGs, translating participatory Tehsil Development Plans into tangible actions. He noted that the project will also foster trust between local governments and communities, laying the foundation for sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, Mr. Mahmood Khan, Joint Secretary (UN), Ministry of Economic Affairs, stated that strengthening local governments in the Merged Districts is central to achieving sustainable development and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by empowering local communities.
Dr. Ehtisham-ul-Haq, Chief International Development Section, Planning and Development Department, Government of KP, welcomed the continued support of Japan and UNDP, expressing confidence that the partnership will deliver meaningful improvements in service delivery, institutional capacity, and public trust.
Affairs, Government of KP, the Embassy of Japan, JICA, and UNDP
Aligned with UNDP’s five-year strategy for inclusive and accountable governance in Pakistan, the project also supports federal and provincial development frameworks, including the Tribal Decade Strategy and Accelerated Implementation Programmes I and II.
Concluding the ceremony, Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to delivering tangible results for communities in need, strengthening institutions, and rebuilding trust through sustained collaboration with national and international partners.
About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
About JICA: As the primary Japanese governmental agency for Official Development Assistance (ODA), JICA aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation and the sound development of the global community by supporting the socioeconomic development of developing regions.
BY: The Times Union
