Lahore (TDI): The World Bank has sanctioned $400 million for a major initiative aimed at improving water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) services, and urban governance across 16 cities in Punjab.
The Punjab Inclusive Cities Program (PICP) will focus on upgrading water supply networks, sewerage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater drainage infrastructure. The project will also enhance local governments’ capacity for sustainable service delivery, revenue collection, and solid waste management, including safe disposal systems, The Express Tribune reported.
Bolormaa Amgaabazar, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Reducing child stunting is essential for Pakistan’s future. Through the Punjab Inclusive Cities Program, we are investing in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services to break the cycle of malnutrition and disease that prevents children from reaching their full potential.”
She added that the initiative represents a major step toward improving urban infrastructure and strengthening local institutions, laying the foundation for healthier communities and a more prosperous Pakistan.
The program is expected to provide safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and drainage services to around 4.5 million people, while enhanced solid waste management services will benefit an additional 2 million residents. By reducing waterborne diseases, the project aims to lower healthcare costs and contribute to efforts to reduce child stunting, alongside strengthening urban local governments’ institutional capacity.
Read More: World Bank Delegation Explores Partnership Priorities with Pakistan’s Climate Minister
Amena Raja, Senior Urban Specialist at the World Bank, explained, “The program combines infrastructure investments with capacity building and revenue generation to ensure long-term sustainability. It will also help Punjab’s cities better withstand floods and droughts, promoting environmentally responsible and climate-resilient urban development.”
The project includes gender-focused initiatives, such as prioritizing the hiring of women in decision-making positions, establishing gender-compliant service desks, and offering skill-building programs for female staff. Community awareness campaigns on household hygiene are also planned, alongside efforts to mobilize private investment to support water and sanitation services in secondary cities.
Read More: World Bank Projects 3% GDP Growth for Pakistan in FY26
The PICP aligns with Pakistan’s national development priorities and complements provincial initiatives such as the Punjab Development Program and the Suthra Punjab Program. It represents the second phase of the World Bank’s multistage Pakistan Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services Program.
