The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $381 million in financing for Pakistan, with a focus on improving education, healthcare, and agriculture in Punjab province.
The move aims to modernize public services while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The ADB announced that part of the funding will be directed toward modernizing agricultural machinery and promoting low-carbon farming techniques. The project is expected to increase agricultural production and raise the income of rural households across the province.
Training programs and new employment opportunities for women will also be introduced, empowering them to actively participate in Punjab’s rural economy.
A specific target has been set to reduce pollution caused by burning crop residues, a major environmental concern in the region.
Enhancing education and health
The financing will improve access to quality education in Punjab by supporting modern infrastructure and training programs. In the healthcare sector, reforms will be implemented in the training and governance of the nursing workforce.
Centers of Excellence are planned for Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to strengthen medical education and provide high-quality healthcare services.
Overall, the funding aims to create a modern education and health system aligned with international standards.
