WB approves $194m for Balochistan projects
Bugti vows zero tolerance for instability, announces major development plans
ISLAMABAD: The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved $194 million for two projects to enhance educational opportunities for children and boost water security in Balochistan.
“The GRADES-Balochistan project aims to reduce learning poverty in the province, while the Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project will help address the province’s water security challenges and enhance climate resilience,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, on Wednesday.
“The World Bank remains committed to supporting Balochistan through strategic investments in infrastructure and human development to build the foundations for more job creation, poverty reduction, and stronger resilience.”
The Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan (GRADES-Balochistan) project ($100 million) will benefit 250,000 students with a focus on increasing enrollment and improving literacy and numeracy skills in early childhood and primary education.
Key interventions include enhancing school readiness through quality early childhood education, increasing school capacity through double shifts and public-private partnerships, providing safe transportation, constructing climate-resilient classrooms, and implementing a comprehensive teacher professional development model.
The project will provide support for 5,000 teachers through continuous professional development programs. Additionally, scholarships will be provided to 400 female students to pursue teacher pre-service education, fostering a new generation of educators who will serve as mentors and role models.
“The GRADES-Balochistan project is a strategically important initiative that addresses critical gaps in access to and quality of pre-primary and primary education in the province,” said Inga Afanasieva, Team Leader for the project.
“The project not only aims to enhance educational infrastructure but also to increase resilience to disasters and environmental sustainability. These efforts underscore the World Bank’s commitment to creating a safer and more sustainable future for the children of Balochistan.”
The Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project (BWSPIP) ($94 million) aims to improve the lives of smallholder and tenant farmers in the Nari, Talli, and Lehri river basins of the Kachi Plain and improve water supply services in Quetta. The project is expected to benefit 500,000 people with improved access to basic water supply services and benefit more than 80,000 people by providing climate resilient infrastructure.
Bugti vows zero tolerance for instability, announces major development plans
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti declared that the province will no longer tolerate instability, emphasising development and peace as top priorities.
Addressing the provincial assembly during the budget session, CM Bugti stated that the government’s primary focus is the prosperity and advancement of Balochistan. He announced the launch of a pink bus service exclusively for women in Quetta and highlighted plans to promote the province’s rich cultural heritage.
“A budget of Rs 2 billion has been allocated this year to support cultural initiatives,” Bugti said. He also shared that the government will establish a Fertilizer City and build storage facilities for wheat in Chaman, Chagai, Gwadar, and Turbat, underscoring the province’s wealth in natural resources.
CM Bugti addressed concerns about the quality of work under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), stating that the Rs 250 billion PSDP should directly benefit the youth of Balochistan.
He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to security, saying, “The entire nation is concerned about Balochistan’s law and order situation. We promised that roads will remain open—and we have delivered on 95% of that promise.”
Bugti warned that those disrupting national highways will be held accountable. “We are committed to leading Balochistan toward peace and prosperity. This province can no longer afford unrest,” he concluded. NNI
