Press release

Japan to Provide Playing Equipment worth Rs. 70 million for “Japanese Park” in Islamabad

PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 15-44

Islamabad: 31st December 2015

H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, handed over Playing Equipment to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which administrates the Children’s Play-land, commonly known as “Japanese Park” in Islamabad today. The total cost for the provision of the equipment is around 80 million Japanese Yen, an equivalent of PRs. 70 million.

This is part of the assistance from the Government of Japan to Pakistan in the form of Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA), aim of which is to contribute to the promotion of socio-economic development efforts in developing countries.

In 1985, the Government of Japan provided the Playing Equipment along with the Japanese Park as a gift of friendship from the children of Japan to that of Pakistan, in commemoration of the visit of the Prime Minister Nakasone to Pakistan. And since then, this has been a favorite destination for the children and their families in Islamabad. However, after 30 years of its provision, the equipment had become old and it was strongly requested that they should be remodeled. Therefore, the Government of Japan has decided to replace them with new ones, in consultation with the CDA.  

The preliminary handing-over ceremony graced by the board members, was held at the Park in the presence of many Pakistani children. The Ambassador Inomata while speaking on the occasion said, “I am glad to see the Pakistani children use the play structures very carefully for a long time. I hope they will enjoy themselves with new ones very much, taking good care of them just as they did before. It is our wish that this equipment will contribute immensely to improving both physical and intellectual capabilities of Pakistani children”.

Moreover, the Ambassador Inomata also expressed that “I have heard from many Pakistanis, including government officials and businessmen, about their pleasant childhood memory associated with the Japanese Park. Therefore, we are hopeful that the provision of this NPGA will contribute to strengthening the bond of friendship between Japan and Pakistan.”

In reply, Mr. Syed Mustafain Kazmi, Member Environment of the CDA, reiterated Pakistani Government’s sincere gratitude for Japan’s continuous commitment to socio-economic development in Pakistan.  (END)