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ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has greenlit an additional $108 million in financing for two significant development initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These include the Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE).
According to the World Bank, the financial support will “enable projects to achieve objectives” that include improving access to health and education services, connecting communities to markets and job opportunities, and strengthening resilience against natural disasters.
$78 Million to Enhance Rural Road Infrastructure
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project will receive $78 million of the approved amount. This component is focused on rehabilitating and upgrading critical rural road infrastructure to ensure safe and climate-resilient transportation routes. The improved connectivity will significantly enhance access to schools, health facilities, and markets, especially in remote areas.
Importantly, the project supports safe and affordable transport to school for girls, a move that not only encourages education but also helps reduce gender-based mobility constraints in rural communities. An estimated 1.76 million people are expected to benefit from the improvements.
“This additional financing underscores the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province’s development goals,” said Muhammad Bilal Paracha, Task Team Leader for the project. “The project is crucial for improving the lives of people in the province, particularly women and girls, by enhancing access to essential services and economic opportunities.”
$30 Million to Strengthen Sustainable Tourism
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) will receive $30 million in additional financing. The authorities will use this funding to complete the rehabilitation of two key roads. This will improve access to the province’s scenic and often underexplored tourist destinations.
In addition to infrastructure development, the financing will support technical assistance and capacity building for stakeholders in both the public and private tourism sectors. The project aims to boost destination management, heritage conservation, and the integration of digital platforms within KP’s growing tourism industry.
“The KITE project is encouraging responsible tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders,” said Kiran Afzal, Task Team Leader for the project. “This means better roads, improved tourist facilities, and more opportunities for local communities to benefit from the growth of the tourism economy. The project will create jobs, train local people, and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage.”
A Holistic Approach to Regional Development
World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine emphasized the broader impact of these initiatives:
“By rehabilitating critical rural road infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project are not only improving access to essential services like health and education, but also fostering climate, economic resilience and creating job opportunities for local communities.”
The newly approved funding reflects the ongoing partnership between the World Bank and the Government of Pakistan. It focuses on sustainable and inclusive development. The goal is to empower local populations, preserve cultural heritage, and build long-term resilience.
