ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed two major initiatives worth USD 730 million.
These include; i) the Second Power Transmission Strengthening Project amounting to USD 330 million, and ii) the Accelerating State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Transformation Programme amounting to USD 400 million.
Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner and its continued support to Pakistan in advancing critical infrastructure and governance reforms.
Pakistan seeks ADB financing amid power sector reforms
He highlighted that the Transmission Project will enable reliable evacuation of 2,300 MW from upcoming hydropower projects, relieve overloading of existing transmission lines and enhance resilience under contingency conditions.
He added that the SOE Transformation Program will strengthen compliance with the SOE Act, 2023 and SOE Policy 2023, besides improving operational efficiency, particularly focusing on the National Highway Authority (NHA).
The Secretary emphasized that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening the backbone of the national grid whereas the SOE Program will enhance transparency, efficiency and sustainability of state-owned enterprises nationwide.
Emma Fan, Country Director, ADB, expressed appreciation for the Government of Pakistan’s strong commitment to these initiatives. She emphasized upon significance of the Transmission Project in strengthening energy infrastructure.
Besides, she highlighted that significance of SOEs Transformation Program comes at a critical time in Pakistan and it will further strengthen the reform efforts of Government of Pakistan.
Both sides expressed their commitment to effectively utilize the financing for successful and timely completion of the two initiatives.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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