Helping hand: Japan pledges Rs35m for social uplift projects in AJK, Punjab
Three NGOs will get the assistance for water, girls primary school and medical equipment.
Governor Punjab meeting with the Ambassador of Japan. PHOTO: SHAHBAZ MALIK
Japanese government has pledged about Rs35 million ($328,619) financial assistance for the improvement of water, education and health facilities respectively in rural areas of Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The assistance will be given to three non-government organisations (NGOs). An agreement to this effect was signed by representatives of the NGOs and the Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Inomata at his residence here on Thursday, said a press release.
Of the total assistance, Astafada will get $116,444 for the installation of a fresh water distribution system in order to serve three villages in AJK’s capital city Muzaffarabad. The three villages are currently facing lack of potable water and prolonged shortages.
Participatory Welfare Services will get $102,745 for the construction of a girls’ primary school in District Layyah in Punjab that will provide quality education to nearly 150 students at highly subsidized rates.
Sahara for Life Trust will receive $109,430 for installing life-saving medical equipment at the Sughra Shafi Medical Complex in District Narowal.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2014.