ISLAMABAD: Japan has extended a grant aid of 2.6 billion Japanese Yen (approximately $16.6 million) to Pakistan for the Project for Flood Protection and Dyke Improvement on the Indus River in Sindh Province, marking a major step towards strengthening the country’s flood resilience in one of its most vulnerable regions.
The agreement was formalised on Monday, with notes exchanged between Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in Islamabad.
Subsequently, a Grant Agreement was also signed between Sugawara Takayuki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, and Sabina Qureshi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Pakistan and Japan have signed the Exchange of Notes, Record of Discussion and Grant Agreement, for the “Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on Indus River in Sindh Province”, aimed at strengthening flood protection infrastructure and enhancing resilience of…
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 7, 2026
Project targets Larkana region’s flood vulnerability
The project targets the Larkana region of Sindh Province, an area identified as being among the most at risk of large-scale flood damage. It aims to reduce the risk of dyke breaches and associated economic losses through riverbank erosion protection works and dike reinforcement.
The project adopts a concrete-based embankment construction method, a relatively rare approach in Pakistan that requires higher initial investment but promises more sustainable and long-lasting protection.
Pakistan is highly vulnerable to flooding, and the devastating floods of 2022, described by the ambassador as the most catastrophic in the nation’s history, remain a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive disaster prevention.
This initiative is expected to reduce flood risks for approximately 790,000 residents while significantly reducing inundation areas and flood-related economic losses in the target region. It will also help protect local communities, agricultural land, and vital infrastructure from future flood disasters.
Japan has extended a ¥2.6 billion grant for the Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on the Indus River in Sindh Province. The project will reinforce dikes and protect riverbanks in the Larkana region, reducing flood risks for around 790,000 residents and… pic.twitter.com/SV3SBOHWCn
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) September 7, 2026
Japan’s commitment to proactive disaster prevention
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasised Japan’s commitment to disaster prevention measures that leverage the country’s extensive experience and technology.
“In 2022, Pakistan experienced the most devastating flood in its history. To support the nation’s recovery and reconstruction, the Government of Japan has been fully committed to providing vital assistance,” he stated. “Japan places a strong emphasis on conducting practical disaster prevention measures taken decisively before natural disasters actually occur.
This project aims to minimise the risk of dike breaches in these target sections, thereby protecting the region from devastating flood damage based on Japan’s experience and expertise.”
He added: “We recognise this project is a vital initiative in line with Pakistan’s planning and policy efforts, contributing to building a resilient society capable of mitigating future disasters. I hope this project will provide reassurance to the people of Pakistan as a reliable safeguard against future floods.”
Amb Akamatsu and Secretary Karim signed JPY 2.6 billion grant for “the Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on Indus River in Sindh Province” to minimize the risk of the dike breaches and associated economic losses through the reinforcement of dike in Sindh Province. pic.twitter.com/dt6c5b4XHh
— Embassy of Japan in Pakistan (@JapaninPak) September 7, 2026
Innovative concrete reinforcement approach for long-term resilience
Sugawara Takayuki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, echoed these sentiments, noting that while the concrete reinforcement approach is relatively uncommon in Pakistan, “it is anticipated to deliver more sustainable and long-lasting development impacts.”
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He added: “This project is not just about building stronger dikes. It is about protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods, and building a more resilient Sindh Province for future generations.”
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In the face of natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and severe due to global warming, proactive disaster prevention measures are of great significance not only for saving lives but also for protecting industry, farmland, and food supplies.
Building a disaster-resilient Pakistan
The project will strengthen flood protection roles in the flood-prone Indus River basin, contribute to reducing future flood damage and associated economic losses, and support sustainable flood risk management, ultimately helping Pakistan build a more disaster-resilient society.
