The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $381 million in financing for Pakistan to support major improvements in Punjab’s education, healthcare, and agriculture sectors.
The funding aims to modernize public service delivery while advancing sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural practices. A portion of the investment will be used to upgrade agricultural machinery and promote low-carbon farming techniques, with the goal of increasing crop productivity and raising incomes for rural households. The project also includes training initiatives and new employment opportunities for women, enabling their greater participation in Punjab’s rural economy.
A key environmental target is the reduction of pollution caused by the burning of crop residues.
The approved financing will expand access to quality education by supporting upgraded infrastructure and enhanced training programs across Punjab. In the health sector, the project will introduce reforms to improve the training and governance of the nursing workforce.
Additionally, new Centers of Excellence will be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to strengthen medical education and deliver high-quality healthcare services.Overall, the investment seeks to build a modern, efficient, and internationally aligned education and health system in Punjab.
