ISLAMABAD: The Japanese government has financed the improvement of a link road in Numbal village, tehsil Murree, directly benefiting 2,540 local residents by improving access to healthcare facilities and markets and making daily life safer and more convenient.

The newly improved road also enables more than 500 students to travel safely to school without having to cross flood-prone streambeds.

The project addresses the urgent need for safe and reliable road access in Numbal, where inadequate infrastructure had long made daily travel difficult and posed serious risks, particularly during emergencies, the Japanese embassy said.

Through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, the Japanese government provided $64,528 for the project, which was implemented by Al Mezan Islamic Model School, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in Pakistan through education, capacity-building and inclusive social development.

Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi attended the inauguration of the link road in the village on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised that access to safe and reliable basic infrastructure was essential to improving people’s lives and supporting sustainable development. He particularly highlighted the importance of safe roads to schools in ensuring that every child had the opportunity to learn and build a better future.

The ceremony was attended by Murree District Education Officer Sidra Batool, along with officials of the Japanese embassy, representatives of Al Mezan Islamic Model School, teachers, students, parents and community members.

Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated Al Mezan Islamic Model School on the successful completion of the project despite challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2026