World Bank Commits $194 Million to Boost Education and Water Infrastructure in Balochistan
In a major development for Balochistan’s socio-economic progress, the World Bank has sanctioned a funding package of $194 million aimed at improving education outcomes and water infrastructure in the province. The approval reflects the international lender’s sustained support for Pakistan’s long-term development goals.
A significant portion—$100 million—has been earmarked for the Access to Quality Education Project. This initiative is designed to increase educational reach and elevate learning standards, targeting approximately 250,000 school-aged children. The project focuses not only on access but also on quality, introducing reforms that prioritize inclusivity, especially in underdeveloped and rural areas.
As part of the education package, over 5,000 teachers are set to receive professional development training to uplift instructional quality. In a key move to empower future female educators, 400 scholarships will be granted to girls, encouraging their entry into the teaching profession and fostering gender balance in the education workforce.
In parallel, an allocation of $94 million has been designated to overhaul and modernize water supply and management systems across the region. A large segment of this investment will be directed toward addressing water scarcity in Quetta, with plans to improve urban water networks and ensure reliable access for both domestic and agricultural use.
These projects form part of the World Bank’s broader development agenda in Pakistan, which includes a proposed $40 billion investment under the upcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2026–2035. This new CPF adopts a 10-year approach—departing from the traditional five-year model—indicating a deeper and more sustained engagement with Pakistan’s growth trajectory.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is currently coordinating efforts to integrate these initiatives within the government’s strategic framework, aligning with national priorities set out under the Uraan Pakistan economic transformation plan.
