ADB Pledges $330 Million to Boost Pakistan’s Social Protection Programs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged an additional $330 million to strengthen Pakistan’s social protection programs, aiming to benefit approximately 9.3 million people across the country. The announcement was made in ADB’s Annual Development Report 2024.

This financial assistance is designed to support conditional cash transfers that encourage school enrollment among children and adolescents, especially in disaster-affected regions. A major focus will also be placed on improving healthcare access for women, girls, and children, and addressing nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable communities.

The ADB noted that Pakistan, along with other Central and West Asian nations like Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, continues to struggle with high poverty levels, social inequality, and limited access to essential public services.

The new funding is expected to play a vital role in supporting Pakistan’s long-term goals for inclusive growth, gender equality, and equitable service delivery.

ADB’s intervention is being welcomed by Pakistani policymakers, who see it as a significant boost for national welfare initiatives amidst ongoing economic challenges.