The World Bank has approved an additional $108 million in funding to support key development initiatives in Pakistan, targeting improvements in rural infrastructure and sustainable tourism.
Of the total amount, $78 million has been allocated to the Punjab Rural Accessibility Project. The initiative is designed to enhance road connectivity, giving rural communities better access to markets and job opportunities, while improving overall service delivery in the province.
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The remaining $30 million will go towards the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project. The funds will be used to strengthen the province’s climate resilience, promote eco-tourism, and support community-led development, particularly in areas vulnerable to environmental challenges.
In a statement, the World Bank emphasized that the financing aims to empower underserved regions and improve livelihoods through inclusive and sustainable growth. The Bank also reiterated its commitment to climate-resilient development strategies across South Asia.
Officials in Pakistan’s Planning Ministry have welcomed the move, calling it a “positive step” that supports the country’s long-term development goals amid ongoing economic pressures.