ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank signed three major agreements to support essential infrastructure development.
The agreements confirmed total financing of $61.8 million for key projects in transport and water sectors.
Officials described the new funding as part of ADB’s continued commitment to Pakistan’s development priorities.
The Economic Affairs Division highlighted the strategic value of each project during the signing event. The new commitments reflect ADB’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to manage critical infrastructure upgrades.
The agreements also demonstrate Pakistan’s increasing reliance on multilateral support for long-term development. This trend has strengthened the partnership between Islamabad and ADB during recent years.
The new funding reinforces shared goals for sustainable economic growth across vulnerable regions.
ADB Support Targets Critical Transport Corridors
One agreement focused on readiness financing for the ML-1 Karachi to Rohri section.
This financing aims to support early-stage planning for the upgraded railway corridor. The ML-1 project represents a major transport priority for Pakistan’s long-term connectivity plans.
The new funds will help accelerate technical preparations for the strategic railway section. The spokesperson confirmed that ML-1 readiness financing totals $10 million.
The project holds significant importance for trade, mobility and regional integration.
Analysts view ML-1 readiness financing as a signal of continued donor interest in transport modernization.
Urban Mobility and Water Security Gain Strong Support
The second agreement targeted additional financing for the Quetta Bus Rapid Transit project.
The funding will help strengthen urban mobility solutions in Balochistan’s capital.
The spokesperson confirmed that ADB allocated $3.8 million for the Quetta BRT component.
The project aims to reduce congestion, improve mobility and enhance transport reliability for citizens.
The third agreement focused on the Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector project.
ADB allocated $48 million to support improved water management across underdeveloped districts.
The project seeks to expand storage capacity and strengthen sustainable water usage practices.
Water security remains a major challenge in Balochistan due to recurring shortages.
Funding Reflects ADB’s Continued Commitment to Pakistan
Officials stated that the agreements reaffirm ADB’s support for Pakistan’s infrastructure needs.
The funding will help Pakistan address transport bottlenecks and water scarcity challenges.
These commitments highlight the strategic importance of development partnerships in stabilizing essential sectors.
