The World Bank has approved an additional $ 108 million in financing for two crucial development projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Funding will support efforts to improve access to social services, improve tourism and increase resilience to natural disasters in the province.

The financial support includes $ 78 million for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and $ 30 million to Khyber-Pakhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (Kite). Both initiatives aim to improve infrastructure, create job opportunities and improve access to important services for local communities.

The KPRAP project will focus on the rehabilitation and upgrade of rural roads with special emphasis on making these roads climate silient. These improvements will improve the connection to vital services such as healthcare, education and markets.

In addition, the project will ensure that girls have a safe and affordable transport to schools and thereby promote gender equality. About 1.76 million people are expected to benefit from these improvements.

“This project is crucial to improving the lives of people in the province, especially women and girls, by increasing access to important services and financial opportunities,” said Muhammad Bilal Paracha, task team leader for KPRAP. “The road upgrades will not only promote greater accessibility, but also climate reinforcement in the region.”

The $ 30 million in financing for the Kite project is designed to support the development of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s tourist sector. This will include rehabilitation of roads leading to important tourist destinations, making it easier for visitors to access pristine locations in the province.

The project will also provide technical assistance to better destination management, the conservation of inheritance and the integration of digital platforms in the tourism industry. Thus, the initiative is aimed at creating new job opportunities, educating communities and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.

“The kite project encourages responsible tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by working with both public and private stakeholders,” said Kiran Afzal, head of the Kite. “By improving roads and tourist facilities, we help local communities take advantage of the growth of the tourist economy.”

The World Bank’s investment in these projects highlights its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s long -term development goals, especially in the light of climate change and natural disasters.

Focus on both infrastructure and tourism emphasizes the importance of sustainable development that creates lasting social and economic benefits for local communities.

“These projects are not just about improving roads and infrastructure, but about promoting climate and financial resilience,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Land World Bank for Pakistan. “They want to improve access to important services, create job opportunities and improve the lives of millions of people in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.”

With the support of the World Bank, both KPRAP and KITE are expected to create significant progress in improving the livelihood, promoting economic development and improving climate understanding in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a province that is home to different communities and rich natural resources.