Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have formalized agreements for three key development initiatives, aiming to strengthen connectivity, urban transport infrastructure, and water resource management. The agreements, signed on Friday, include Project Readiness Financing (PRF) for the Karachi-Rohri Section of Main Line-I (ML-I) amounting to $10 million, $3.8 million for the Quetta Bus Rapid Transit (Quetta BRT PRF), and an additional financing of $48 million for the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Secretary of the ministry expressed deep appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner. He noted that the bank’s continued support complements Pakistan’s broader development agenda and plays a pivotal role in sustainable economic growth.
The ML-I PRF is designed to modernize Pakistan’s railway infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and laying the groundwork for future development. By improving the Karachi-Rohri section, the project aims to facilitate faster, safer, and more reliable transport of passengers and goods across key economic corridors. The Secretary highlighted the importance of timely and effective utilization of the allocated funds to ensure successful project implementation.
Meanwhile, the Quetta BRT PRF will address critical urban transport challenges in Quetta city, providing modern and efficient bus rapid transit solutions to reduce congestion and improve mobility for citizens. The project is expected to deliver long-term benefits in urban infrastructure, supporting the city’s growing population and urbanization needs.
The Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, with an additional financing of $48 million, is focused on enhancing water management and agricultural productivity in the province. This initiative will help improve irrigation systems, water storage, and sustainable agricultural practices, directly contributing to food security and rural economic growth. The Secretary acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Railways and the Balochistan provincial government and emphasized close coordination among stakeholders to maximize project outcomes.
ADB’s Country Director, Ms. Emma Fan, welcomed the agreements and praised the government of Pakistan for its strong commitment to these projects. She noted that the two Balochistan-focused initiatives and the railways PRF are vital steps toward modernizing infrastructure and ensuring long-term socio-economic benefits. Ms. Fan also reaffirmed ADB’s ongoing commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that support aligns with Pakistan’s national development priorities.
These agreements underscore the strategic partnership between Pakistan and ADB, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in delivering sustainable development projects. By focusing on connectivity, urban mobility, and water resources, these initiatives aim to foster economic resilience, enhance quality of life, and create a foundation for continued growth across Pakistan’s critical sectors.
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