The Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening local governance and improving access to essential public services in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Titled “The Project for Development of Public Service Infrastructure in the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the initiative is being funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented under UNDP’s Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP). 

The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony held in Islamabad, attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Government of KP, the Embassy of Japan, JICA and UNDP.

Following their merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, the Merged Districts have been undergoing a significant transition toward decentralized governance and localized service delivery. While progress has been made, newly established local government systems continue to face institutional and administrative challenges, particularly in responding effectively to community needs and expanding access to basic public services. The newly launched project seeks to address these gaps by strengthening the institutional capacity of the first-ever elected Tehsil Local Governments (TLGs) in the region.

With a total contribution of 518 million Japanese Yen, approximately US$3.5 million, the project will support 19 TLGs across eight Merged Districts. 

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It will focus on delivering essential services through small-scale, community-driven infrastructure schemes, directly benefiting around 18,000 people and indirectly reaching an estimated 500,000 community members. By working closely with local administrations, the initiative aims to improve coordination, accountability and citizen engagement while ensuring that development interventions are aligned with local priorities.

Addressing the ceremony, Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, described the Merged Districts as both a challenging and critical region for Pakistan’s long-term stability and development. He said the project would not only help restore essential community infrastructure and improve local service delivery, but would also promote inclusive and participatory governance, ensuring a whole-of-society approach toward sustainable outcomes.

JICA Pakistan Office Senior Representative Mr. Nakatsu Masaaki noted that the initiative builds on JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation project for TLGs, which runs from 2022 to 2026 and has already helped formulate Tehsil Development Plans through participatory processes. He said the new collaboration between UNDP and JICA would play a key role in implementing these plans, emphasizing that the project goes beyond infrastructure by fostering mutual trust between local governments and communities, a foundation he described as essential for sustainable development in the region.

Speaking on behalf of the federal government, Joint Secretary (UN) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs Mahmood Khan said the Merged Districts present both complex challenges and significant opportunities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that by strengthening local governments and improving service delivery, the project aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision for sustainable development and supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by empowering local communities as drivers of change.

Chief International Development Section at the KP Planning and Development Department, Dr. Ehtisham-ul-Haq, welcomed the initiative, calling Japan and UNDP two of the province’s most consistent partners in the development of the Merged Districts. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to tangible improvements in service delivery, stronger local institutions and increased public trust.

The project is aligned with UNDP’s five-year strategy for inclusive and accountable governance in Pakistan and supports both provincial and federal development frameworks for the Merged Districts, including the Tribal Decade Strategy and Accelerated Implementation Programmes I and II.

UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk said the initiative reflects a commitment to delivering services to underserved communities, strengthening institutions and rebuilding trust at the local level. He emphasized that, with the support of the Government of Japan and JICA and in close coordination with government partners, UNDP aims to translate this commitment into practical actions that bring measurable and lasting improvements to the lives of people in the Merged Districts.