To address critical gaps in governance and access to basic public amenities in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a new development project valued at approximately US$3.5 million.
The initiative, titled ‘The Project for Development of Public Service Infrastructure in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,’ was formalized through a signing ceremony in the capital. It represents a partnership between Japan, through its International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the UNDP, and the Government of KP, operating under the UNDP’s Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP).
Since their 2018 merger with KP, the districts have been undergoing a significant transition toward decentralized administration. However, newly established local government systems face ongoing challenges in adapting, requiring support to bolster administrative mechanisms and expand essential services.
According to information from United Nations Development Programme today, with a contribution of 518 million Japanese Yen, the project aims to enhance the institutional capacity of the firstever elected Tehsil Local Governments (TLGs). The funds will support 19 TLGs across eight districts in delivering smallscale infrastructure schemes, projected to directly benefit around 18,000 people and indirectly reach an estimated 500,000 community members.
The program will work closely with local administrations to identify and execute communitydriven projects based on localized needs, aiming to improve coordination, accountability, and public engagement.
H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, stated that the merged areas are a “very key entry point that will bring sustainable peace and development.” He noted the project will “foster inclusive and participatory local governance to ensure the whole of society approach toward the outcomes.’
Mr. NAKATSU Masaaki, Senior Representative of JICA’s Pakistan Office, explained the initiative builds on a prior technical cooperation project. “This new project… will play a crucial role in implementing these Plans and responding to the needs of local communities,” he said, adding that it aims to promote “mutual trust between local governments and communities.”
Representing the Government of Pakistan, Mr. Mahmood Khan, Joint Secretary (UN) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, highlighted the project”s alignment with the national vision. “By strengthening local governments for improved service delivery, this project supports our vision of sustainable development, unlocking the potential of local communities,” he remarked.
Dr. EhtishamulHaq of the KP Planning and Development Department welcomed the support, expressing confidence that the partnership would make “tangible progress in improving service delivery, local institutions, and public trust in the region.’
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative for UNDP Pakistan, reaffirmed the organization”s commitment. ‘With the support of the Government of Japan and JICA and working closely with the Government, we are translating this commitment into concrete plans and steady progress that delivers tangible change for the people of the Merged Districts,” he said.
The project is aligned with broader development frameworks, including the Tribal Decade Strategy and Accelerated Implementation Programmes I and II, as well as UNDP”s fiveyear strategy for inclusive and accountable governance in Pakistan.