The World Bank has sanctioned $194 million in funding to support two major projects aimed at strengthening education and water security in Balochistan, Pakistan’s southwestern province, according to a report by state broadcaster PTV.
In a statement on Wednesday, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine said the financing will back the GRADES-Balochistan education programme and the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project.
“The GRADES-Balochistan project is designed to reduce learning poverty in the province, while the water security initiative will address water challenges and build climate resilience,” Benhassine noted. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Balochistan through targeted investments that foster job creation, poverty reduction, and resilience.
The Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan (GRADES) project will receive $100 million. This initiative aims to improve enrollment and learning outcomes for 250,000 students at the early childhood and primary levels. Planned interventions include building climate-resilient classrooms, providing safe transport, expanding school shifts, and encouraging public-private partnerships.
Additionally, the project will focus on the professional development of 5,000 teachers and offer scholarships to 400 female students for pre-service teacher training. “The GRADES-Balochistan project is a crucial effort to close gaps in access to and quality of pre-primary and primary education in the province,” said Inga Afanasieva, the project’s team leader.
The remaining $94 million will be directed toward boosting water productivity and enhancing climate resilience in key districts across Balochistan.
