The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed two major development programs worth a combined $257 million aimed at transforming secondary education and strengthening the health workforce in Punjab.
The agreements include the Responsive, Ready, and Resilient Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Secondary Education in Punjab Program, valued at $107 million, which also includes a $7 million grant from the Asian Development Fund. The second initiative, the Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Program, carries a financing envelope of $150 million.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim described ADB as a trusted development partner and acknowledged its continued support in advancing Pakistan’s development priorities. He appreciated the concessional financing for the two critical programs, noting that they would contribute to long-term and sustainable social development by addressing key gaps in education and health services in Punjab.
He also recognized the efforts of the Government of Punjab and stressed the importance of timely and effective utilization of the funds. Mr. Karim said the STEM Secondary Education Program aims to transform the learning environment and promote inclusivity across the province during the 2026–2030 period. The nursing and health workforce program, he added, will focus on expanding the pool of qualified nurses and improving healthcare delivery, including the establishment of three centers of excellence in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan commended the Government of Pakistan for its strong commitment to both initiatives. She highlighted the transformational impact of the programs on human development in Punjab’s education and health sectors, adding that the result-based approach would help improve overall sector ecosystems and service delivery.
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Officials from the School Education Department and the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department of the Government of Punjab also outlined the expected benefits of the programs and expressed gratitude to ADB. They reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the effective use of financing to ensure the successful and timely implementation of both initiatives.
