Japan has extended a grant aid of 2.6 billion Japanese Yen to Pakistan for the Project for Flood Protection and Dike Improvement on Indus River in Sindh Province. Notes to this effect were signed and exchanged between H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and Mr. Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in Islamabad on September 7, 2026. Subsequently, Grant Agreement of the Project was also signed and exchanged between Mr. SUGAWARA Takayuki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office and Ms. Sabina Qureshi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

This project aims to reduce the risk of the dike breaches and associated economic losses through the reinforcement of dike in the target section in Larkana region of Sindh Province. Riverbank erosion protection works and dike reinforcement will be carried out. The project adopts a stronger concrete-based embankment construction method, which remains relatively rare in Pakistan. This enhanced design is expected to further mitigate the risk of embankment breaches, thereby improving flood resilience in the target area.

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to flooding, and the Larkana region is among the areas most at risk of large-scale flood damage. The project is expected to reduce flood risks for approximately 790,000 residents, while reducing inundation areas and flood-related economic losses in the target region. It will also help to protect local communities, agricultural land and infrastructure from future flood disasters.

In the face of natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and severe due to global warming, proactive disaster prevention measures that leverage Japan’s experience and technology are of great significance not only for saving lives but also for protecting industry, farmland, and food supplies.

Ambassador AKAMATSU stated: “In 2022, Pakistan experienced the most devastating flood in its history. To support the nation recovery and reconstruction, the Government of Japan has been fully committed to providing vital assistance. Japan places a strong emphasis on conducting practice disaster prevention measures taken decisively before natural disasters actually occur. This project aims to minimize the risk of dike breaches in these target sections, thereby protecting the region from devastating flood damage based on Japan’s experience and expertise.

We recognize this project is a vital initiative along the line with is 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.”

Mr. SUGAWARA Takayuki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office said “under this project, the dike will be rehabilitated with concrete reinforcement. While this is a relatively rare approach in Pakistan and requires higher initial investment costs, it is anticipated to deliver more sustainable and long-lasting development impacts. 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”.

The project will strengthen flood protection roles in the flood-prone Indus River basin and contribute to reducing future flood damage and associated economic losses. It is also expected to support sustainable flood risk management and contribute to building a more disaster-resilient society.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)