ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday signed two programs: i) the Responsive, Ready, and Resilient Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Secondary Education in Punjab Program amounting to USD 107 million (including USD 7 million grant of ADF) and ii) Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Program amounting to USD 150 Million.
Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner and its continued support to Pakistan to complement its development initiatives. He appreciated ADB’s financial support for these critical programs on concessional terms, which would significantly contribute to long-term and sustainable social growth, address the vital educational needs and health services requirements of the Punjab Province.
Besides, he acknowledged the efforts of the Punjab Government and emphasised the timely and effective utilization of the financing. He further added that the STEM Secondary Education Program aims to transform the learning environment and ensure inclusivity across the province between 2026 and 2030. Punjab Nursing Program focuses on expanding the pool of qualified nurses and improving health service delivery across the province. Three centers of excellence will also be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi under this Program.
Emma Fan, ADB Country Director, appreciated the Pakistani Government’s strong commitment to these programs. She emphasised the significance of these two transformational programs on human development in critical sectors of education and health in Punjab. She added that both programs are result-based initiatives and will help improve the ecosystem in the education and health sectors.
The Secretary of the School Education Department and the Secretary of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, Punjab, highlighted the benefits of the two programs and appreciated the ADB’s role. They said that the Punjab Government is committed to effectively utilising the financing for a successful and timely completion of the two programs.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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