Japan Showcases Grassroots Support Projects in Karachi Through ODA Press Tour

The press tour focused on two development sites

that have benefitted from Japan’s Grant

for GGP and JICA Technical Cooperation

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi organized an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Press Tour to showcase Japan’s ongoing contributions to Pakistan’s development through grassroots-level initiatives. Journalists from various media outlets participated in the tour, aimed at raising public awareness of Japanese government-supported projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, and human security.

The press tour focused on two development sites in Karachi that have benefitted from Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Technical Cooperation.

Over 400 Projects Funded Since 1989

GGP is a grant scheme launched by the Government of Japan to support small-scale community-based projects. Since 1989, more than 400 projects across Pakistan have been funded under this initiative.

Support for Women with Disabilities

The first visit was to the Disabled Welfare Association (DWA), located near Mazar-e-Quaid. Since 2003, DWA has been providing vocational training for women with disabilities, focusing on underserved communities in Karachi. In 2025, Japan provided new transport vehicles and vocational training equipment through the GGP program. A handover ceremony was held at the facility, attended by the Consul General of Japan, Hattori Masaru.

Empowering Women in the Informal Economy

The second site visited was the Women Skill Development Center in Maripur, operated by the Women Development Foundation Pakistan (WDFP). This center is part of JICA’s Technical Cooperation Project for the improvement of livelihoods of Female Home-Based Workers (FHBWs) in Sindh under the “Light-F” initiative.

WDFP supports domestic women workers and aims to uplift welfare standards and economic opportunities in the informal sector. Journalists observed training sessions and livelihood toolkits designed to improve income-generating skills and promote economic self-reliance among low-income women.

Impact on Local Communities

At both locations, participants witnessed the real-world impact of Japan’s development efforts, learning how targeted support is helping vulnerable populations in Karachi improve their quality of life. The press tour reinforced Japan’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth, human security, and sustainable development in Pakistan.