Pakistan has emerged as the fifth-largest recipient of loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), receiving a total disbursement of $1.8 billion in 2023. When factoring in co-financing, the disbursement figure rises to $2.353 billion for the same period, according to the ADB’s annual report for 2023 released recently.
The report highlighted Pakistan’s significant role in receiving ADB support, particularly in addressing food insecurity and climate resilience challenges. The ADB is actively involved in various projects across Pakistan, ranging from agricultural productivity improvements and food security enhancements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to power transmission strengthening initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Specifically, the ADB signed an $82 million loan to boost agricultural productivity in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to enhance food security in the region. Additionally, a $250 million loan was allocated to improve power transmission infrastructure, contributing to environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Pakistan’s power sector.
Moreover, the ADB committed $180 million to develop climate-resilient municipal services for up to 1.5 million residents in Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi cities of Punjab. This initiative aims to enhance urban infrastructure while addressing environmental challenges.
The ADB’s contributions also extend to emergency grants, policy-based loans for revenue generation, and investments in regional infrastructure development, such as upgrading national highways under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.
Furthermore, the ADB has been actively engaged in promoting environmental governance, hosting symposiums and initiatives to address forestry legislation and law enforcement challenges across the region.
Overall, Pakistan’s collaboration with the ADB underscores the importance of international partnerships in supporting economic development, infrastructure improvements, and climate resilience efforts in the country.
