Japan has announced a major grant of ¥2.091 billion Japanese yen to Pakistan to strengthen child healthcare services, with the funds set to upgrade the Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health (ICH) Multan in south Punjab.

The grant agreement was formally signed between Pakistan and Japan, marking another milestone in bilateral development cooperation. According to Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division, the assistance is being provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and is equivalent to US $18.62 million.

Focus on child healthcare

The grant will be used specifically to improve child health facilities in south Punjab, a region with a high demand for paediatric medical services. Under the project, the Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health Multan will be upgraded to enhance its capacity and quality of care.

Japan has extended a grant aid of 2,910 million Japanese Yen to Pakistan for the Project for the Improvement of Child Health Care Facilities in South Punjab. Notes were signed and exchanged between H.E. Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi and Mr. Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary EAD. pic.twitter.com/l5w5SAAyt8
— Embassy of Japan in Pakistan (@JapaninPak) January 13, 2026

Officials said the Institute of Child Health Multan will be made more effective as the largest tertiary care hospital for children in the Multan region. The project aims to modernize medical infrastructure and ensure more efficient provision of healthcare services for children.

Commitment to project success

The agreement was signed by Economic Affairs Secretary Hameer Karim on behalf of Pakistan, and Akamatsu Shuichi on behalf of Japan.

Hameer Karim said that all possible facilities would be provided to ensure the success of the project and emphasized that the initiative would further promote cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.

Japan pledges continued support

Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continue close cooperation with Pakistan. He said Japan remains determined to strengthen mutual relations and support projects that directly benefit the people, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare.

The grant reflects Japan’s continued support for Pakistan’s social sector development and its focus on improving child health outcomes in underserved regions.