Japan has renewed its support for Pakistan’s Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Program, providing grant aid of ¥350 million, approximately $2.2 million, for 2026.
The programme gives selected Pakistani government officials an opportunity to pursue master’s and doctoral studies at Japanese universities. It is designed to help strengthen the skills of officials involved in policymaking and public-sector development.
Japan Renews Support for JDS Programme
The latest agreement was formalised in Islamabad during a signing ceremony attended by representatives of the Japanese and Pakistani governments.
Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi and Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim Kidwai exchanged the relevant Notes Verbale. A separate Grant Agreement was also signed by JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Shinozaki Yusuke and Senior Joint Secretary Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro.
The JDS programme has been running in Pakistan since 2018. It focuses on government officers working in areas connected with the country’s social and economic development.
More Than 100 Pakistani Officials Sent to Japan
As of now, over 100 Pakistani government officials have visited Japan via the programme, the information shared at the ceremony revealed.
To date, over 80 scholars have finished their studies and are coming back to Pakistan to impart their knowledge and experience to their respective fields.
The Japanese ambassador emphasized the need to develop human resources, especially future public-sector leaders, to invest resources.
The programme also provides an opportunity to the returning scholars to learn more about the institutions, culture and development methods of Japan which may enhance the cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.
What Students and Officials Should Know
The JDS programme is specifically aimed at eligible Pakistani government officials, rather than being a general scholarship programme open to all students. Selection focuses on officials involved in policy planning and implementation related to Pakistan’s development priorities.
The 2026 grant will support the continuation of this academic and professional development initiative between the two countries.