Education services: Balochistan govt, World Bank’s IDA sign $100m agreement

ISLAMABAD: The government of Balochistan and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) have signed a USD 100 million financing agreement under the project titled “Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan”, aimed at improving access to quality education and learning outcomes across the province.

Under the agreement, the project will focus on expanding community schools, establishing public-private partnerships (PPP) for education delivery, introducing scholarships, and providing school transportation subsidies to ensure that children in underserved areas can attend school safely and consistently.

The project, signed between Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the WB’s Country Director for Pakistan, and Abdul Manan, Assistant Chief (Foreign Aid), Government of Balochistan, seeks to strengthen school systems, enhance the delivery of educational services, and promote inclusive access to education, especially for girls and marginalized communities in remote areas.

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The Planning and Development Department (P&DD) of the government of Balochistan will act as the implementing agency, while the School Education Department (SED) will oversee project operations through a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU).

According to the project document, a Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established within 90 days of the project’s effectiveness to provide strategic direction and facilitate inter-agency coordination. The PMU, to be set up within 60 days, will handle monitoring and evaluation, fiduciary management, and social and environmental safeguards.

The agreement emphasizes transparency, accountability, and community involvement in project implementation. Community School Grants will be disbursed to local education providers and community institutions, while PPP School Grants will engage private partners to expand access to quality schooling. Each grant will be tied to specific performance milestones and subject to rigorous monitoring by the SED.

In addition, a Scholarship Scheme will support students from low-income families, while a School Transportation Subsidy will assist in overcoming geographic barriers that prevent children—particularly girls—from attending school.

The project also mandates the development of a Project Operations Manual within three months of the agreement’s effective date, outlining implementation, procurement, and monitoring mechanisms.

Environmental and social safeguards form a key pillar of the initiative, requiring adherence to the WB’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The provincial government will maintain grievance redressal mechanisms, ensure compliance with environmental codes, and enforce strict conduct standards to prevent workplace harassment and exploitation.

The project is designed for a 20-year implementation and operational period, with the Government of Balochistan committing to sustain institutional and financial arrangements for its long-term success.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Balochistan’s education sector priorities to reduce out-of-school children, improve school infrastructure, and enhance teacher quality. “This project marks a major step toward transforming education delivery in Balochistan,” said a senior P&DD official.

The WB has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to improve education access and quality, especially in disadvantaged regions like Balochistan.

The project’s success is expected to contribute significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by improving equity and learning outcomes for thousands of children across the province.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025