ISLAMABAD: The World Bank is implementing a new generation of multi-sectoral development policy operations that focus on unlocking human capital gains by removing policy and institutional bottlenecks in Pakistan.
The WB in its annual report, “Supporting countries in unprecedented times,” stated that in Pakistan, the bank has committed $436 million to improve health and education services and social protection for poor and vulnerable households in Balochistan, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Punjab.
These projects will increase the quality and uptake of health services, improve early childhood education, provide learning opportunities for children in primary and secondary schools, and establish more efficient economic and social inclusion programmes.
In December 2019, the bank also convened the 100-day “Girls Learn, Women Earn” campaign, which focused on creating better learning and employment opportunities for Pakistani girls and women.
The report further stated that the bank continues to help countries improve their human capital outcomes and accelerate progress by implementing a new generation of multi-sectoral development policy operations that focus on unlocking human capital gains by removing policy and institutional bottlenecks, including in Madagascar, Pakistan, Peru, and Rwanda.
In Pakistan, a procurement plan to help the Ministry of Higher Education provide devices to all students, so that they are able to participate in remote-learning opportunities, it added.
The report further stated that through regional initiatives, the bank help foster cooperation, boost connectivity, and promote trade across borders.
The $592 million Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project is creating conditions for sustainable electricity trading between Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
In Pakistan, an additional $700 million for the Dasu-Hydropower Project will help lower the overall cost of the country’s energy generation, benefiting millions of users and making electricity more affordable.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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