World Bank Boosts Women's Empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with $108 Million Funding

Significant Funding for Women's Development

In Peshawar, the World Bank has approved an additional $108 million aimed at enhancing the lives of women and girls by improving their access to vital services and economic opportunities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of northwest Pakistan.

The funding will support two key initiatives: the Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) project, valued at $30 million, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP), which is estimated at $78 million.

As per the World Bank's announcement, this financial support is intended to help both projects achieve their objectives of expanding access to markets, employment, and health and education services, while also bolstering the province's resilience against natural disasters.

The KPRAP will utilize the $78 million to develop safe and climate-resilient road infrastructure by upgrading and rehabilitating rural roads, thus enhancing access to essential services such as schools, healthcare facilities, and markets.

"This initiative is vital for uplifting the lives of individuals in the province, especially women and girls, by improving their access to necessary services and economic opportunities," stated Muhammad Bilal Paracha, the Task Team Leader for the project.

Meanwhile, the $30 million allocated for the KITE project will focus on boosting the tourism sector by completing the rehabilitation of two roads that will facilitate access to the province's stunning tourist attractions.

"This additional funding highlights the World Bank's dedication to supporting the developmental aspirations of Pakistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province," Paracha added.