In a major boost to Pakistan’s development agenda, the World Bank (WB) has approved $194 million in funding to improve education access and water infrastructure, with a strong focus on Balochistan, ARY News reported.
The funding package includes $100 million for the “Access to Quality Education Project”, which aims to expand educational opportunities for 250,000 children across the underserved province. The initiative will also include the training of 5,000 teachers and scholarships for 400 female students, aiming to strengthen the education workforce and promote gender inclusion.
Simultaneously, $94 million has been allocated to enhance water supply systems, particularly targeting urban centers such as Quetta, where water scarcity and system inefficiencies remain critical concerns. The project is expected to benefit both households and the agricultural sector, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply.
This strategic funding is part of the World Bank’s broader commitment to Pakistan’s long-term development. In a significant shift, the Bank has introduced a 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan, moving away from its traditional five-year plans. The CPF outlines a proposed $40 billion investment between 2026 and 2035, aligning with the federal government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative and the National Economic Transformation Plan.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is currently working on an implementation framework to ensure that the World Bank’s assistance is fully integrated into national priorities.
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Experts believe this new wave of investment not only addresses Pakistan’s pressing educational and water management challenges but also reflects growing international confidence in the country’s development trajectory.