ISLAMABAD, June 27 (TNF): The World Bank has approved $194 million in new funding to support Pakistan’s development efforts, with a focus on improving education access and upgrading water infrastructure, particularly in Balochistan, ARY News reported.
The package includes $100 million for the Access to Quality Education Project, aimed at bringing 250,000 children from underserved areas into the formal education system. The initiative will also fund the training of 5,000 teachers and provide scholarships to 400 female students, promoting gender inclusion and strengthening the teaching workforce.
In addition, $94 million has been allocated for water supply improvements, targeting major urban centers such as Quetta where water scarcity and inefficient systems remain major challenges. The project aims to provide more reliable water access for households and agriculture, ensuring long-term sustainability.
This financing is part of the World Bank’s shift to a new 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan — a move away from the traditional five-year plans. The CPF envisions up to $40 billion in investments between 2026 and 2035, aligning with the government’s Uraan Pakistan vision and the National Economic Transformation Plan.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is working on an implementation plan to align these funds with national priorities. Experts say this funding marks growing international confidence in Pakistan’s reform and development agenda, while addressing critical gaps in education and water management.
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