The World Bank has approved an additional $108 million in financing for Pakistan, aiming to bolster infrastructure and resilience in rural and tourism sectors.
According to a statement issued by the international lender, $78 million has been allocated for the Punjab Rural Accessibility Project, which seeks to enhance road connectivity, improve access to markets, and create better employment opportunities for rural populations.
The remaining $30 million has been earmarked for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project. The World Bank said the funding would support initiatives to strengthen climate and natural resilience, while also boosting eco-tourism and community-led development in the province.
“These investments aim to improve service delivery and enhance economic opportunities, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities,” the Bank said in its statement.
The additional financing follows a series of ongoing engagements between Pakistan and international financial institutions to support development objectives amid economic challenges. The World Bank noted that both projects align with its broader strategy of promoting sustainable growth and resilience to climate change in South Asia.
Officials in the Planning Ministry welcomed the approval, terming it “a positive step” towards inclusive growth.
