Japan has provided a JPY 350 million ($2.2 million) grant to Pakistan under the Human Resource Development Scholarship Program (JDS) 2026, supporting advanced education and capacity building for young federal civil servants.
The agreement was signed on August 11, 2026, at the Ministry of Economic Affairs during a ceremonial exchange of notes and signing ceremony. Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi signed the Record of Discussions and Exchange of Notes.
Under the latest grant, 16 scholarships will be offered for Master’s programmes and one scholarship for a PhD/Doctorate programme at universities in Japan.
Japan Expands JDS Scholarship Support For Pakistan
The JDS 2026 grant represents the ninth installment of the scholarship programme since its launch in Pakistan in 2018.
Through the programme, the Government of Japan, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), provides opportunities for young Federal Civil Service and Ex-Cadre officers to pursue higher education in Japan.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the professional capacity of government officials and support Pakistan’s long-term human resource development.
Eight batches have benefited from JDS scholarships since the programme began, with each batch comprising approximately 17 to 18 participants.
Civil Servants To Receive Masters And PhD Scholarships
The latest programme will provide 17 scholarships in total.
Sixteen Pakistani civil servants will receive opportunities to pursue Master’s degrees, while one officer will undertake a PhD or Doctorate programme at a Japanese university.
The scholarships are intended to enhance the knowledge and professional capabilities of young government officials who contribute to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.
Japan has also continued to invite Pakistani government officials to participate in short-term training programmes in Japan, further expanding opportunities for institutional and professional capacity building.
Pakistan Appreciates Japan’s Continued Support
Muhammad Humair Karim, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support.
He also assured that the ministry would provide the necessary facilitation to further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.
The latest scholarship agreement reflects the broader cooperation between the two countries in human resource development and public-sector capacity building.
Japan And JICA Reaffirm Bilateral Cooperation
Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi and Yusuke Shinozaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan, reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Government of Pakistan.
Both officials highlighted their intention to further strengthen the friendly relations and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The continuation of the JDS programme also provides Pakistan with an opportunity to develop a stronger pool of highly trained public-sector professionals.
Japan’s JDS Programme Continues Human Resource Development
With the ninth installment of the JDS programme now signed, Japan’s scholarship support continues to provide Pakistani civil servants with access to advanced academic and professional training.
The latest $2.2 million grant will support 17 officers, including 16 Master’s students and one PhD/Doctorate scholar, while contributing to the broader objective of strengthening Pakistan’s public-sector human resources.