Japan Rolls Out $263M Scholarship Program in Pakistan

Japan has agreed to provide $263 million in support of scholarships for Pakistani civil servants. The agreement, dubbed “Human Resource Development Scholarship”, was signed on Tuesday. Secretary of Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz and the Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan signed the agreement. It is aimed at extending funds to young professionals from Pakistan’s federal government to study in Japan for higher studies.

16 federal government employees will be selected in this phase for a Master’s degree at top universities in Japan, according to the Economic Affairs Division. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also supports this program to improve skills and policy-making abilities of public sector officials.

Seven groups of Pakistani officials have benefited from this Japan scholarship program in Pakistan since its inception. It has helped a number of officials to grow professionally and foster the bond that exists between Pakistan and Japan.

Dr. Kazim Niaz thanked Japan for its continued support, highlighting that these programs not only empower individuals but also contribute to Pakistan’s development.

This program accentuates Japan’s strong support for Pakistan in education, human development and improving governance. This program is also widely seen as Japan’s contribution to creating a more skilled and globally aware leadership in the country.