Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced a strategic collaboration between the Punjab government and the World Bank (WB) aimed at accelerating development across multiple sectors. This partnership focuses on poverty reduction, economic and social development, environmental enhancement, and smog eradication.
The agreement was formalized in a meeting chaired by Aurangzeb and attended by key ministers from education, health, industry, agriculture, local government, and irrigation. The high-level World Bank delegation, led by Country Director Najy Benhassine, engaged in discussions to finalize terms and explore areas of cooperation.
Aurangzeb highlighted that the collaboration falls under the World Bank’s ‘Country Framework’—an international program designed to partner with countries and provincial governments for rapid sectoral development. The objective for the 2024-2027 period is to boost development in agriculture, health, education, IT, youth employment, and skills training.
Key initiatives include providing world-class healthcare, addressing malnutrition among mothers and children, and enhancing health standards. The Punjab government aims to upgrade 300 health centers and 250 basic health units in rural areas to international standards as part of the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s comprehensive health improvement program.
Additionally, the initiative includes efforts to promote IT literacy and employment opportunities for youth through laptop distribution. The Chief Minister’s Green Credit Programme is also integrated into this development strategy.
The World Bank delegation commended the Chief Minister’s extensive vision for economic, social, and environmental development and expressed commitment to a strong, enduring partnership with Pakistan.
