A delegation headed by World Bank Country Director Naji Binhasan met with Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. In the meeting, issues related to the ongoing public welfare projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the support of the World Bank were discussed. Apart from the provincial cabinet members, the chief secretary, secretaries from various departments, and other relevant officials participated in the meeting.

The meeting explored new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between the provincial government and the World Bank in public welfare work. Detailed discussion on issues related to partnership in various sectors including education, agriculture, livestock, minerals, tourism, road infrastructure, irrigation, and green energy.

“The provincial government appreciates the support of the World Bank in public welfare work, working on giving special packages to pregnant women to solve the problem of stunted growth in children. The plan of education cards for students on the pattern of health cards is also under consideration, the plan of providing a free solar system to the poor has also been included in the next year’s development budget. The plan of giving interest-free loans to provide self-employment opportunities to the youth of the province has also been included in the budget. The provincial government will welcome the support of the World Bank in various sectors”, Ali Amen Gandapur said.

“I am grateful to the World Bank on behalf of the people of the province for providing support in public welfare works in the province, the provincial government will provide all possible support in implementing these projects supported by the World Bank. The current provincial government is working on utilizing the potential of hydropower in the province in a full manner, work is being done to transfer government buildings and educational institutions to solar energy. The current provincial government is working on improving municipal services and solving basic health problems, modernized agriculture and livestock development are top priorities of the provincial government. To increase production in agriculture and livestock, the provincial government needs to use modern technology, the provincial government is working on various projects for the development of agriculture and livestock sectors. By developing these sectors on modern lines, the problem of food security can be solved not only in the province but also in the country, there are immense opportunities to increase agricultural and dairy production in the province. For this purpose, the provincial government is also working on projects like CRBC Lift Canal, Gomal Zam, and Tank Zam, the construction of small dams, and investment in energy, minerals, and tourism sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. There are vast opportunities. The provincial government will welcome foreign investment in these sectors, the provincial government is paying special attention to the development of potential sectors to increase its income”, the chief minister said.

The World Bank is fully cooperating with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in various sectors, this cooperation will continue in the future, the delegation said.