ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has approved $194 million for education and water projects in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province.
“The GRADES-Balochistan project aims to reduce learning poverty in the province, while the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project will help address the province’s water security challenges and enhance climate resilience,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, in a press release issued on Wednesday.
“The WB remains committed to supporting Balochistan through strategic investments in infrastructure and human development to build the foundations for more job creation, poverty reduction, and stronger resilience,” he added.
Of the total funding, $100 million will be allocated to the ‘Access to Quality Education Project (GRADES-Balochistan)’. The initiative is expected to benefit around 250,000 children across the province.
As part of the same programme, 5,000 teachers will receive professional development training, and 400 female students will be awarded scholarships to support their journey toward becoming future educators.
An additional $94 million will be invested in a separate project focused on enhancing water supply systems and ensuring reliable water access for agriculture.
According to the World Bank, a substantial portion of this funding will be dedicated to upgrading Quetta’s water infrastructure.
Earlier, it was reported that the World Bank (WB) will invest $40 billion in Pakistan from 2026 to 2035 under its Country Partnership Framework (CPF).
According to the documents, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is working to develop a comprehensive implementation framework to support the initiative, which aligns with the government’s priorities and the National Economic Transformation Plan, Uraan Pakistan.
For the first time, the World Bank has introduced a 10-year framework—doubling its usual five-year strategy—demonstrating a strong, long-term commitment to Pakistan’s development.
