WB okays $47.9mln grant to boost education in Pakistan

The World Bank (WB) on Monday approved a grant of $4.79 million for Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the WB, the funds will be used to improve the education sector in Punjab province, with a focus on increasing the number of students in primary classes.

The statement further said that the grant will also help in increasing student enrollment in schools.

Additionally, it was mentioned that under the project, around 4 million students will be provided with improved facilities, and approximately 80,000 new students will be able to enroll in schools through this program.

The programme will benefit over 4 million children, including 80,000 out-of-school children, more than 3 million students in School Education Department schools, 850,000 in the non-formal sector, and 140,000 differently abled children in Special Education Department schools.

World Bank Task Team Leader Izza Farrakh said the project aligns with Punjab’s education reform agenda.

It will strengthen governance, improve coordination between departments, empower schools, and build partnerships with communities.

Pakistan has been a member of the World Bank since 1950 and has received over $48.3 billion in assistance. The current portfolio includes 54 projects with total commitments of $15.7 billion.