ISLAMABAD, April 30: The Japanese government has decided to finance eight social sector development projects in Pakistan under its Grassroots Assistance (GRA) programme.

According to a Japanese embassy announcement here on Tuesday, a total of $1,196,252 would be provided to local NGOs under this programme.

Japanese Ambassador Sadaki Numata in this connection signed agreements with representatives of eight non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at a local hotel in Peshawar.

Mitsuo Horiuchi, the Japanese prime minister’s special envoy, and five other members of the Japan-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship League were also present on the occasion. This parliamentary delegation is visiting Pakistan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pakistan-Japan diplomatic relations.

The NGOs interested in availing support under the GRA scheme can contact the Embassy of Japan’s development section, GRA Unit, at phone no 051-2279320/252 or fax no 051-2825307.