Islamabad, December 18, 2025 — The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership 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 access to essential public services in KP’s Merged Districts.
Titled “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 through a signing ceremony held in Islamabad.
Following their merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, the Merged Districts have been undergoing a critical transition toward decentralized governance and localized service delivery. While progress has been made, newly established local systems continue to face challenges related to administrative capacity, civil response mechanisms, and access to basic public services.
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 services and promote community-responsive governance.
With a financial contribution of 518 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$3.5 million), the project will support 19 TLGs across eight Merged Districts through small-scale infrastructure schemes. The initiative is expected to directly benefit around 18,000 people and indirectly reach approximately 500,000 community members. Working closely with local administrations, the project will identify and implement community-driven initiatives based on local needs, while strengthening coordination, accountability, and citizen engagement.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Government of KP, the Embassy of Japan, JICA, and UNDP, underscoring a shared commitment to improving governance and service delivery in regions historically underserved by formal administrative systems.
Addressing the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, said the Merged Districts represent both a major challenge and a crucial entry point for sustainable peace and development in the country.
“This project will not only support the recovery of essential community infrastructure and local service delivery, but also foster inclusive and participatory local governance through a whole-of-society approach,” he noted.
Mr. Nakatsu Masaaki, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, said the initiative builds on JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation project (2022–2026), which has helped formulate Tehsil Development Plans through a participatory approach.
“This collaboration with UNDP will play a vital role in implementing these plans and responding to local community needs, while strengthening trust between local governments and citizens,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahmood Khan, Joint Secretary (UN) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, highlighted that strengthening local governments is essential for sustainable development in the Merged Districts and aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Ehtisham-ul-Haq, Chief of the International Development Section at KP’s Planning & Development Department, welcomed the initiative, calling Japan and UNDP “steadfast partners” in the development journey of the Merged Districts. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver tangible improvements in service delivery, institutional capacity, and public trust.
The project aligns with UNDP’s five-year strategy for inclusive and accountable governance in Pakistan and supports key provincial and federal development frameworks, including the Tribal Decade Strategy and Accelerated Implementation Programmes I & II.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk said the initiative reflects a commitment to delivering services where they are needed most.
“With the support of the Government of Japan and JICA, and in close collaboration with government partners, we are translating this commitment into concrete actions that will bring lasting change to the people of the Merged Districts,” he said.
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