Islamabad; The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) had the honour of hosting Mr. Taiga Yano, Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, and Ms. Nazia Sehar, Senior Program Manager, at its Islamabad headquarters. The visit was part of an ongoing effort to explore potential avenues for collaboration between PPAF and JICA, aligned with a shared commitment to sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Pakistan.

During the meeting, Mr. Nadir Gul Barech, Chief Executive Officer of PPAF, and Mr. Arshad Rashid, Chief Programmes, provided an overview of PPAF’s work in community-driven development. They highlighted the organisation’s inclusive and participatory approaches aimed at tackling poverty and promoting grassroots empowerment across the country.

A key highlight of the engagement was a presentation by PPAF’s partner organisation, Kurram Welfare Home (KWH). Represented by CEO Mr. Muhammad Kamran and Director Coordination Mr. Haris Khan, KWH showcased the PPAF-supported initiative titled “Promoting Gandhara Civilization and Heritage for Sustainable Eco-Tourism in Pakistan.” This innovative project seeks to revitalize and celebrate Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, using it as a catalyst for eco-tourism, economic upliftment, and community resilience—especially in historically significant regions.

Mr. Kashif Irshad, Advisor at the National Heritage and Culture Division, underscored the vast potential of Pakistan’s cultural and heritage economy. He stressed the importance of preserving civilizational legacies while fostering socio-economic development through strategic, heritage-based initiatives.

PPAF and KWH are heartened by JICA Pakistan’s interest in this pioneering model of heritage-based eco-tourism and looks forward to nurturing impactful partnerships that celebrate Pakistan’s historical richness while empowering local communities.