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The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed two programs: i) the Responsive, Ready, and Resilient Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Secondary Education in Punjab Program amounting to USD 107 Million (including a USD 7 Million grant from ADF) and ii) the Punjab Nursing and Health Workforce Reform Program amounting to USD 150 Million.
Mr. Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressed appreciation for ADB’s role as a trusted development partner and its continued support to Pakistan to complement its development initiatives.
The secretary appreciated ADB’s financial support for these critical programs on concessional terms, which would significantly contribute to long-term and sustainable social growth, addressing the vital educational needs and health service requirements of the Punjab Province. Besides, he acknowledged the efforts of the Government of Punjab and emphasized the timely and effective utilization of the financing.
He further added that the STEM Secondary Education Program aims to transform the learning environment and ensure inclusivity across the province between 2026 and 2030. The Punjab Nursing Program focuses on expanding the pool of qualified nurses and improving health service delivery across the province. Three centers of excellence will also be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi under this program.
Ms. Emma Fan, ADB Country Director, expressed appreciation for the Government of Pakistan’s strong commitment to these programs. She emphasized the significance of these two transformational programs on human development in critical sectors of education and health in Punjab. She added that both programs are result-based and shall help in improving the ecosystem in both the education and health sectors.
The Secretary of the School Education Department and the Secretary of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department of the Government of Punjab highlighted the benefits of the two programs and appreciated ADB. They expressed the Government of Punjab’s commitment to effectively utilize the financing for the successful and timely completion of the two programs.
