ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved three major projects worth a combined $381 million to support agriculture, education, and health sectors in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
The new investments aim to accelerate Punjab’s development by promoting modern, climate-resilient farming, upgrading education systems, and strengthening the health workforce.
The bank stated that these initiatives would contribute to long-term economic stability and improve the quality of life for millions of people in the province.
Furthermore, ADB approved a $120 million loan and a $4 million grant to promote environmentally sustainable agricultural machinery across rural Punjab. The project is expected to benefit 220,000 rural households, particularly small farmers who will gain access to modern equipment designed to increase crop productivity and reduce environmental damage.
The program also aims to increase the skills of 15,000 women in the agriculture sector. Moreover, Punjab plays a central role in meeting Pakistan’s food requirements, producing an estimated 75% of the country’s wheat, 69% of its rice, and 91% of its maize.
ADB focused on the importance of transitioning away from outdated equipment and reducing pollution caused by the burning of crop residues, an issue that contributes significantly to seasonal smog and environmental degradation.
The bank approved $107 million, including a $100 million loan and a $7 million grant, to modernize secondary-level Science, Technology, Commerce, and Mathematics (STCM) education.
The project aims to improve learning facilities, update teaching methods, and provide students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market.
So far, the ADB sanctioned a $150 million loan aimed at improving nursing education and building a stronger, more qualified healthcare workforce in Punjab. The investment will support curriculum reforms, faculty training programs, and the introduction of digital human-resource systems to enhance the quality and availability of nursing professionals.
In such a scenario, new Centers of Excellence will be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, featuring modern training facilities, simulation laboratories, digital learning tools, and gender-responsive amenities.
ADB stated that these projects reflect the bank’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan in developing resilient public services and strengthening key economic sectors.
The programs are expected to begin implementation later this year, in collaboration with relevant provincial departments.
