Japan increases grant aid for weather radar installation in Multan

Islamabad, 20 March 2023 (TDI): The Japanese government decided to boost the grant aid for the “Project for Installation of Weather Surveillance Radar in Multan” from 2.042 billion Japanese Yen (about 14.99 million USD) to 2.8 billion Japanese Yen (equivalent to around 20.57 million USD).

On August 31, 2018, two governments exchanged and signed original Notes to this effect. This time, in response to a request from the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the government of Japan chose to provide an additional 760 million Japanese Yen (about 5.58 million USD) to this project.

Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, signed and exchanged notes to this effect for the provision of the additional amount.

Natural disasters including floods and landslides brought on by torrential downpours, tropical cyclones, and earthquakes are common in Pakistan.

Heavy damages come from this, especially from floods brought on by monsoon rains. During the 1980s, the Japanese government actively helped Pakistan improve its capability for weather surveillance in an effort to lessen the harm caused by floods.

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With today’s extra offer, the total amount of Japanese support for Pakistani weather monitoring radars now stands at almost 11.3 billion Japanese Yen (equivalent to around 82.9 million USD).

In the signing ceremony, Ito stated, “This project will enhance PMD’s capabilities, it will be able to disseminate information and deliver more accurate weather forecast.

Likewise, it will be able to send out warnings to protect life and properties of the people in Pakistan. The whole population of the country will be benefitted.”