ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved three development projects worth $381 million to support agriculture, education and health reforms in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province.
In a statement on Saturday, the Bank said the initiatives are aimed at strengthening economic growth and improving essential services across the region.
“Investing in education, health, and agricultural mechanisation will play a transformative role in driving the growth of Punjab, a vital pillar of Pakistan’s economy,” ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan said.
She added that these strategic investments would modernise farming systems, strengthen human capital and improve livelihoods for millions.
Under the financing package, $120 million in concessional loans and a $4 million grant have been allocated for the Punjab Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project.
The programme will benefit 220,000 rural households by promoting modern, disaster-resilient agricultural practices and expanding access to advanced machinery for small-scale farmers. Training and livelihood support for 15,000 women are also included.
The ADB further approved $107 million for the Responsive, Ready, and Resilient STEM Secondary Education Programme in Punjab, including a $7 million grant.
The results-based programme aims to upgrade secondary education, expand inclusive access to science and technology subjects, and strengthen quality standards across the provincial system.
In the health sector, the Bank sanctioned a $150 million concessional loan for the Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Programme. Pakistan faces a significant shortage of qualified nurses, even as global demand grows.
The project seeks to modernise training, update curricula, and improve governance through a digital workforce management system.
A key component is the establishment of three nursing centres of excellence in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, featuring advanced simulation labs, digital learning platforms and gender-responsive hostels. The initiative aims to expand the pool of skilled nurses—primarily women—and improve health service delivery across Punjab.
Last month, the ADB approved an additional $330 million in loans for Pakistan’s Second Power Transmission Strengthening Project.
