ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening local governance and improving public service delivery in KP’s Merged Districts.
The Project for Development of Public Service Infrastructure in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the initiative is being implemented under UNDP’s Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP). The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony held in Islamabad, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Government of KP, the Embassy of Japan, JICA, and UNDP.
Following their merger with KP in 2018, the Merged Districts have been transitioning toward decentralized governance and localized service delivery. Despite progress, newly established local government systems continue to face administrative and service delivery challenges. The new project seeks to address these gaps by strengthening the institutional capacity of the first-ever elected Tehsil Local Governments (TLGs), enabling them to deliver essential public services and promote community-responsive governance.
With a Japanese contribution of 518 million yen (approximately US$3.5 million), the project will support 19 TLGs across eight Merged Districts through small-scale, community-driven infrastructure schemes. The initiative is expected to directly benefit around 18,000 people, while indirectly improving services for an estimated 500,000 community members. Working closely with local administrations, the project will emphasize accountability, coordination, and community engagement in identifying and implementing priority schemes.
Addressing the ceremony, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, said the merged areas represent a critical entry point for sustainable peace and development in Pakistan. He noted that the project would not only rehabilitate essential community infrastructure but also foster inclusive and participatory local governance.
Mr. NAKATSU Masaaki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, highlighted that the initiative builds on JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation with TLGs, adding that the project will help implement participatory Tehsil Development Plans while strengthening trust between local governments and communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahmood Khan, Joint Secretary (UN), Ministry of Economic Affairs, said the project aligns with Pakistan’s vision for sustainable development by empowering local governments and communities to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Ehtisham-ul-Haq, Chief International Development Section, Planning and Development Department, KP, welcomed the continued support of Japan and UNDP, expressing confidence that the partnership would deliver tangible improvements in service delivery and institutional capacity in the Merged Districts.
The project is aligned with UNDP’s five-year strategy for inclusive and accountable governance in Pakistan and supports provincial and federal development frameworks, including the Tribal Decade Strategy and Accelerated Implementation Programmes I and II.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening institutions, rebuilding public trust, and delivering essential services to communities most in need, translating policy commitments into practical outcomes for the people of the Merged Districts.
