Islamabad (TDI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed on substantial financial support for developmental projects across Pakistan, including a major package worth $381 million for agriculture, education, and health services in Punjab.
At the same time, three other initiatives, including a rail corridor, a bus rapid-transit system and water resource development, have also been agreed upon with a fresh $61.8 million commitment.
Under the Punjab package, ADB will invest $120 million in a climate-resilient, low-carbon agriculture mechanization program designed to support 220,000 rural farm households.
ADB provides US$4.3 million in Project Readiness Financing (PRF) to support the preparation of a sustainable Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in Quetta, Balochistan. The PRF will facilitate the detailed design of the project, while ensuring stakeholder engagement, social and… pic.twitter.com/XedHMkTAM5
— ADBPakistan (@PakistanADB) December 6, 2025
The plan prioritizes modern farming techniques, disaster-resilient practices, and introduces financing support for service providers supplying farming machinery, including opportunities for around 15,000 women to gain new skills.
The bank also allocated $107 million toward enhancing STEM secondary education across Punjab, aiming to improve quality and access. A separate $150 million loan will fund a nursing and healthcare workforce reform initiative focused on upgrading training centers, introducing simulation labs, and building gender-sensitive hostels.
Punjab remains a critical agricultural hub and the well-being of millions depends on efficient farming, education and health services. ADB’s country director stressed that investing in human capital and modernizing agriculture will “significantly improve livelihoods for millions” across the province.
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On the national front, the $61.8 million funds were formalized to push forward three infrastructure and development efforts; a preparatory loan for the $2 billion Karachi–Rohri Main Line‑1 (ML-1) rail segment, a $3.8 million is directed toward the Quetta Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and a $48 million will support the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector project.
Officials from the Ministry of Railways and the Balochistan government welcomed the infusion, noting that readiness financing is a critical first step toward implementing long-delayed infrastructure plans.
ADB emphasized that its Project Readiness Financing (PRF) mechanism is intended to help with project design, compliance, and capacity building.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
