Ambassador of Japan Hosts Iftar for JDS Alumni in Pakistan

H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, hosted a special Iftar gathering in Islamabad for the alumni of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) . The event celebrated the alumni’s contributions to Pakistan’s development, especially in strengthening the public sector, and reinforced the strong bond between Japan and Pakistan. Currently, the JDS alumni network includes 66 members, comprising 65 Master's graduates and 1 Doctoral graduate. In 2025, 17 Master's students and 1 Doctoral student will join the program to further enhance Pakistan’s governance and public administration.

In his address, H.E. Akamatsu Shuichi praised the JDS alumni for their key role in Pakistan’s growth, particularly in improving public sector governance. He highlighted how the JDS program has equipped them with valuable knowledge and skills, drawing from Japan’s efficient public sector models, which are directly benefiting Pakistan's development.

The Japan Development Scholarship program provides young civil servants in Pakistan with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in Japan, focusing on social and economic development, policymaking, and institutional capacity building. This initiative contributes to Pakistan's Vision 2025 by strengthening public administration and fostering long-term development.
The event concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to continued cooperation between Japan and Pakistan, furthering leadership, innovation, and governance excellence.

About the JDS Program:
The Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) program offers young civil servants in Pakistan the opportunity to pursue higher education in Japan, contributing to Pakistan’s public sector development and strengthening bilateral ties between Japan and Pakistan.