ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has approved $194 million for two key development projects in Balochistan, focused on expanding educational opportunities for children and tackling the province’s longstanding water scarcity challenges.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the World Bank said it will provide $100 million for the GRADES-Balochistan project to improve access to quality education, while $94 million has been allocated for the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project (BWSPIP), aimed at strengthening water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable water supply.
The education-focused GRADES project—short for Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan—will benefit around 250,000 children, particularly at the early childhood and primary levels. The project aims to tackle learning poverty by improving literacy and numeracy, expanding school access via double shifts and public-private partnerships, and enhancing classroom conditions through climate-resilient infrastructure.
Safe transport for students, teacher training, and scholarships for 400 female students pursuing teaching careers are also included in the project’s scope. About 5,000 teachers will receive ongoing professional development to improve learning outcomes.
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“The project addresses serious gaps in both access to and quality of education in Balochistan,” said Inga Afanasieva, Team Leader of the education project. “It also promotes disaster resilience and environmental sustainability.”
Meanwhile, the BWSPIP will support farmers and communities in the Nari, Talli, and Lehri river basins and improve water supply services in Quetta. It is expected to benefit over half a million people by expanding access to basic water services and building climate-resilient infrastructure for over 80,000 individuals.
The project includes flood protection works, better irrigation systems, and improved water supply delivery, especially for smallholder and tenant farmers. It will also support women’s participation in water resource management at the community level.
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World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, Najy Benhassine, stated that these strategic investments aim to promote human development and job creation in Balochistan. “We remain committed to supporting the province through initiatives that reduce poverty and build resilience,” he said.
Both projects are aligned with Pakistan’s 10-year Country Partnership Framework and are expected to contribute to national targets such as reducing child stunting and improving education and water services.
