World Bank Reviews $400 Million HEDP Project with HEC Pakistan

The World Bank has launched its Implementation Completion Mission to assess the outcomes of Pakistan’s Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project  a $400 million initiative executed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) since 2019. The review marks the project’s formal closure after six years of implementation aimed at modernizing and strengthening Pakistan’s higher education system.

The HEDP project, funded by the World Bank, was designed to improve higher education governance, enhance digital transformation, and promote quality assurance and innovation across universities. Since its inception, it has become one of Pakistan’s most impactful education reform programs, introducing key digital and academic advancements in the tertiary sector.

At a session hosted by HEC, Chairman Nadeem Mahbub welcomed the World Bank Mission and appreciated its continued partnership. He emphasized the project’s transformative impact on Pakistan’s higher education landscape and reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to sustaining its achievements.

“The HEDP project has been a turning point for higher education in Pakistan, driving innovation, governance reform, and digital efficiency,” said Chairman HEC Nadeem Mahbub.

The World Bank delegation, led by Senior Economist and Task Team Leader Inga Afanasieva, includes Senior Education Specialist Ryoko Tomita and Consultant Mashal Yousaf. HEC Executive Director Engr. Dr. M. Mazhar Saeed praised the World Bank’s steadfast technical support, adding that the collaboration has strengthened institutional capacity across universities.

During the five-day mission, the HEC-HEDP team, led by Project Coordinator Syed Naveed Hussain Shah, will present the project’s achievements, sustainability plans, and lessons learned. The World Bank will evaluate progress, validate results, and prepare an Implementation Completion and Results Report (ICR) in collaboration with Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division.

“Our shared goal is to ensure the continuity of these reforms so their impact extends beyond the project’s lifecycle,” said Inga Afanasieva of the World Bank.

The mission’s findings will shape future higher education strategies, ensuring that Pakistan’s universities continue their journey toward digital transformation and global competitiveness.