Islamabad, December 23, 2025: Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, on Tuesday inaugurated a newly constructed eye care facility in Tehsil Havelian, District Abbottabad, aimed at improving access to essential ophthalmic services for underserved communities. The project was implemented by Lok Sudhar Association, a non-governmental organization dedicated to strengthening eye care services in the region.
The project was funded by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme, which provided financial assistance of USD 51,407 in 2024. The grant supported the construction of the eye care facility as well as the procurement of advanced ophthalmology equipment used for the diagnosis of various eye diseases and the performance of cataract surgeries. The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials of the Japanese Embassy, members of the NGO’s board, and representatives of the local community.
Lok Sudhar Association, with over 25 years of experience in community development and social sector initiatives, has collaborated with multiple donors to deliver impactful projects. This Japan-funded initiative has significantly improved the quality of eye care services in Havelian and has enabled local residents to access cataract surgery for the first time within the area.
The facility caters to the medical needs of more than 350,000 people in Tehsil Havelian and surrounding areas. Since its completion, nearly 30,000 patients have received treatment, and 1,260 cataract surgeries were performed at the facility within a year. The project has substantially reduced the financial and physical burden on elderly and vulnerable patients, who previously faced long delays and travel difficulties in accessing timely eye care.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated Lok Sudhar Association on the successful completion of the project. He emphasized that the provision of affordable healthcare is among the top priorities of Japan’s assistance policy toward Pakistan. Highlighting that access to quality medical treatment is essential for social prosperity, he reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for improving living standards in Pakistan and expressed hope that the project would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the people of Japan and Pakistan.
